Russian biathlete Valeria Vasnetsova misses Beijing 2022 Olympics due to COVID-19

Russian biathlete Valeria Vasnetsova will not participate in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics because of COVID-19, she personally announced on her Instagram account.

Earlier today, the Russian Biathlon Union announced that both of Vasnetsova’s tests for coronavirus were positive. The Russian headquarters asked the hosts to replace Valeria Vasnetsova with Evgenia Burtasova in the women’s biathlon team.

“Unfortunately, the dream of the Olympics remains a dream. Thanks to everyone who was with me all the way. Maybe one day I will find the strength to rise again, but it will be a completely different story”, wrote Valeria Vasnetsova.

The 24-year-old Russian is a two-time world champion for girls, as well as a champion from the Universiade in 2019 with the single mixed relay.

At the Beijing Games, which run February 4-20, Russians will be competing as representatives of the Russian Olympic Committee without their flag or anthem because of doping sanctions imposed on Russia.