Russian swimmer to switch nationalities

MOSCOW (AFP) –

Russia’s Arkady Vyatchanin celebrates after winning the men’s 200m backstroke event at the Swimming World Cup in Berlin October 31, 2010. Vyatchanin has decided to quit swimming for Russia and represent another country, the Allsport news agency has reported.

Two-time Olympic medal winner Arkady Vyatchanin has decided to quit swimming for Russia and represent another country, the Allsport news agency reported on Monday.

“I believe that I can offer nothing else to Russian swimming,” Vyatchanin was quoted as saying at the Russian Cup final in Kazan. “I will continue my swimming performances but not as a Russian athlete any more. I will decide which country’s team to join in the near future.”

The backstroke specialist said his American coach Gregg Troy supported his decision to change citizenship.

The 29-year-old said he will miss the upcoming world championships in Barcelona to speed up the process so he can represent another country at the Olympics as soon as possible.

Vyatchanin won two bronze medals at the Beijing Olympics in the 100m and 200m. He also won three silver medals at the world championships and four gold medals at the European championships.