Russian cross-country snowboarding star Veronika Stepanova has established herself as one of the gifted athletes of her technology, having had a surprising season throughout which she claimed the world junior title.
The 20-year-old made her senior debut this 12 months, ending within the prime 30 within the 30km race, the place she managed to beat none apart from the three-time Olympic winner from Sweden, Charlotte Kalla.
Stepanova carried out effectively in the course of the pre-Olympic winter season the place, together with the world junior gold, she additionally scooped two bronze awards on the nationwide championship, ending third within the group dash and relay race.
The skier stated she might have entered the senior group, however determined to spend yet another 12 months at junior degree on the recommendation of the president of the Russian Ski Affiliation, Elena Vyalbe, who believed she wanted to realize extra aggressive expertise earlier than coming into the senior squad.
An lively Instagram person, Stepanova stated she usually receives messages from followers, a few of whom ask for private conferences with snowboarding’s rising star.
“I’ve numerous messages, together with reactions, needs. Generally I received messages like ‘Hello, let’s have a date,’” the skier defined, including that she at all times turns down that type of invitation, and stressing that she has a boyfriend.
“I ignore such invites, or just say, sorry, I’ve a boyfriend,” she added.
Subsequent 12 months, the immensely gifted athlete will vie for a spot on the nationwide group, which can compete on the Winter Olympics in Beijing.
