S. Korean short-track legend gains Russian citizenship to fulfill Sochi dream

28 Dec, 2011 15:55 / Updated 12 years ago

Russia's medal hopes at their first-ever Winter Games in Sochi have been given yet another boost as South Korean short-track legend Ahn Hyun-soo has finally been granted Russian citizenship.

The 26-year-old captured three golds and one bronze at the Turin Olympics back in 2006, becoming the most successful athlete there. He is also a five-time Overall World Champion.The newly-minted Russian has been struggling to fully recover from a knee injury, which he picked up four years ago.Ahn has been training in Russia and has taken on an appropriate name – Victor Ann.He aims to win in Sochi and stresses that the decision to change citizenship was due to lack of support from the South Korean skating association.