Moldovan Olympian's pro-Russia social media sparks backlash and identity debate
A Moldovan Olympic athlete has faced criticism after her past social media activity came to light. Elizaveta Khlusovich, a cross-country skier born in Russia, was found to have followed pro-Russian groups online. The discovery led to anger among some sports officials in Moldova.
Khlusovich was part of a five-strong delegation at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Four of the team's athletes, including her, were originally from Russia, reigniting earlier debates about national representation in Moldovan sports.
The controversy began when Moldovan users uncovered Khlusovich's VKontakte profile. She had subscribed to several Russian communities, including ones supporting the Russian army, President Vladimir Putin, and military news. After the profile was exposed, she changed her display name and left many of the groups, though older posts and photos remained visible.
By February 9, the entire VKontakte account had been deleted. The revelation drew sharp reactions, particularly from Ivan Georgiu, head of Moldova's Wrestling Federation. He had previously criticised the fact that four out of five Moldovan athletes at the Winter Olympics were Russian-born.
Khlusovich is not the only athlete in the delegation with Russian roots. The team also includes biathletes Alina Stremous, Pavel Magazeev, and Maxim Makarov—all born in Russia. Her mother, Natalia Levchenko, is a former biathlete and Moldova's most decorated winter sports competitor.
The debate over national representation has lingered for years. While the athletes now compete for Moldova, their origins have repeatedly sparked discussions about identity and eligibility in international competitions.
The incident has highlighted tensions over Moldovan athletes with Russian backgrounds. Khlusovich's social media history added fuel to existing concerns about loyalty and representation. With her profile now removed, the focus remains on how Moldova selects and supports its Olympic competitors.
Read also:
- American teenagers taking up farming roles previously filled by immigrants, a concept revisited from 1965's labor market shift.
- Weekly affairs in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Landslide claims seven lives, injures six individuals while they work to restore a water channel in the northern region of Pakistan
- Escalating conflict in Sudan has prompted the United Nations to announce a critical gender crisis, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the ongoing violence on women and girls.
