Former biathlete Yulia Zhuravok has moved to Russia
Former Ukrainian biathlete Yulia Zhuravok, who was once considered one of the country’s most promising athletes, has moved to Russia and begun working as a coach at a sports club in the Moscow Region. This became known after she posted related information on her social media accounts.
Fans noticed that posts in Russian had appeared on the athlete’s page, along with photos featuring cars with Russian license plates and local signs.
In addition, her profile description included links to the Russian sports clubs “Katay Tekhnichno” and “Biathlon Family Club.” According to reports, in May 2026, Zhuravok was officially introduced as the new coach of one of the clubs.
According to available information, the founder of the “Katay Tekhnichno” sports club is military officer Yevgen Lysak, who notes in his biography his participation in military sports competitions, an officer’s education, and repeated participation in military parades on Red Square in Moscow.
The club is located in the Odintsovo Urban District of the Moscow Region, and the coaching staff, in addition to Zhuravok, includes Russian biathlon specialists.
Yulia Zhuravok was born in the village of Khotin in the Sumy Oblast. During her athletic career, she has won a number of prestigious titles:
- two-time junior world champion;
- European champion in the mixed relay;
- world champion in summer biathlon among adults.
She has also competed in Biathlon World Cup events on multiple occasions. Her best career result was a 14th-place finish in the individual race, along with several top-20 finishes.
After ending her athletic career at age 31—citing health issues—Zhuravok worked in the fitness industry and later moved to Russia, where she is currently working as a coach.
Earlier, 18-year-old figure skater Veronika Zhilina, who previously represented Russia, received official permission from the International Skating Union (ISU) to change her sporting nationality. From now on, the silver medalist at the Russian Junior Championships will compete in international tournaments under the flag of Azerbaijan.
