Controversy over Russian oligarch's daughter as Cyprus flag bearer

The Olympic Games in Paris are approaching quickly. The official opening ceremony will commence on Friday, 26 July. Athletes from across the globe will participate, with flag bearers proudly holding their national flags. It has been revealed that the daughter of a Russian oligarch representing Cyprus has been selected as one of these flag bearers, sparking considerable controversy.

The Olympic Games are the pinnacle event for every athlete. For four years, they dedicate themselves to the goal of competing in the Games. On Friday, 26 July, the grand event will kick off in Paris. During the opening ceremony, teams worldwide will present their competitors. Each country has chosen flag bearers who will carry their nation's flags with pride; this is an immense honour for any athlete.

The Olympic Games in Paris have yet to begin, but controversy has emerged. This involves high jumper Elena Kulichenko, a Russian with a Cypriot passport. She is the daughter of oligarch Alexei Kulichenko. The controversy pertains to the role she will play during the opening ceremony. Chosen as the flag bearer for Cyprus, this decision has not been well-received by many island residents. It's not just her Russian citizenship causing concern, but also allegations regarding her activity on an adult platform.

Anyone even slightly interested in sports understands how significant an honour it is to be a flag bearer during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. The person carrying their country's flag is considered a role model, a spotless human being, someone to be admired. However, not all Cypriot citizens believe that Elena Kulichenko fits this profile. Concerns revolve around her background, comments about Ukraine, and her alleged activities on an adult platform.

Kulichenko obtained a Cypriot passport in 2019. When questioned about the basis of her documentation, she only mentioned that she received it for "certain reasons." It is well-known that her father, a Russian oligarch, conducted business and enterprises in Cyprus. After securing a standard passport, Elena Kulichenko pursued a sports passport, which she was also granted.

She stated that she wished to change her national representation due to the controversies surrounding Russian athletes and doping. From 2015 to 2022, when the war in Ukraine officially started, Eastern European athletes competed under a neutral flag. Subsequently, they were banned from participating in sports events. Kulichenko found this situation unacceptable.

Kulichenko's story resurfaced in the media due to her rivalry with Ukrainian Yaroslava Mahuchikh, the current European high jump champion and a world record holder. Tensions are expected to be high between the two athletes, especially since Kulichenko stated in an interview with Yle that she had no intention of commenting on the war in Ukraine.

The announcement that Elena Kulichenko would be the flag bearer during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris led to much discussion. It was not solely about her background. Attention turned to rumours alleging she was active on the blue platform, where her erotic films and photos could be purchased. This led Cypriot citizens to question her suitability as a flag bearer.

The eReportaz service reported that the daughter of a Russian oligarch was asked to leave the blue platform. Kulichenko allegedly refused, claiming that the photos and films were generated by artificial intelligence. Cypriot media are questioning why she did nothing to remove the images from the internet if they were not hers. Kulichenko has not commented on this issue.