Latest news with #Polina
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Sport
- Indian Express
Chance to test themselves against the best, money, fame, their prime sporting years: what Russian athletes are losing due to decade-long international ban
There's a 'Brit' at the Russian National Championships. Striking braids, the unmistakable blue-and-white vest and a mischievous smile, he belies the old stereotype of Russians being cold and aloof. As he prowls on the 100m starting line in a Great Britain uniform, Kirill Chernukhin gives the 2,000-odd spectators a reason to chuckle. The judges take him to one side and ask, 'Are you crazy?' They put a tape on the flag and the country's name before he steps on the track. 'But you can't tape over the truth,' Chernukhin tells the local media, laughing. 'The guys punished the 'Brit' anyway. More than 10 of us dominated the 'Englishman'.' The 'Englishman', to be sure, is Chernukhin himself. 'I started in British gear so that every domestic sprinter has a chance to get ahead of a Brit. I'm not in the best shape right now. I can't run fast. And I wanted the guys to feel this: bam! — they beat the Brit. Cool, right?' he says, according to It's a multi-layered joke, one that touches the many emotions athletes here are experiencing. The yearning to test themselves against the world's best and the helplessness of not being able to do so; the pain of wasting their prime years; the anger of losing fame and money; the waning motivation, the hope that soon they will be reinstated and can challenge the global stars again. Since November 2015, Russian track and field athletes have not been allowed to compete in international events. At first, when they were sanctioned for state-sponsored doping, they were at least given the chance to participate as neutrals — meaning no Russian flag or anthem at tournaments. But after the invasion of Ukraine, World Athletics imposed a blanket ban. They are now vigorously tested for doping, claims the Russian Athletics Federation. 'We have around 3,000 tests annually and less than 10 anti-doping violations per year,' says secretary general Alexander Djordjadze. When asked about the sanctions imposed because of the war, the athletes keep mum. 'Sport should be away from politics,' says former World Championship silver medallist triple jumper Ekaterina Koneva, repeating a common refrain. The isolation, though, has had a profound impact on established and fledgling careers alike. Take the case of Polina Knoroz. The pole vaulter, 26, crossed a height of 4.86m on a cold Sunday evening at the Central Stadium in Kazan in front of thousands of screaming fans and with the blockbuster song 'Matushka' — 'Motherland' — blaring from the speakers. Polina's effort is the second-best in the world this year, 5 cm behind USA's Amanda Pol, and the best in Europe. Yet, when the galaxy of stars descends upon Tokyo for the World Championship in a month, Polina will be at her home in St. Petersburg. When asked if she will miss going pole-to-pole with the best, she says with a smile: 'Maybe, they will miss me!' Like many others, Polina says she is driven by the desire to 'prove that I can perform no worse than the global stars'. 'I do not have the opportunity to perform on the international stage but in Russia, I can produce a world-class result,' she says. During the four-day event, Polina was one of the three Russians who met World Championship qualification standards. In women's 400m, Polina Tkalich ran 50.52 seconds, faster than the mark of 50.75s, while Fedor Ivanov — who left it all on the track, literally, and had to be taken off on a wheelchair — completed the men's 400m hurdles in 47.94 seconds, a Russian record (Worlds Qualification mark: 48.50s). Ivanov took up running in 2016, when he was 12 years old, in his hometown of Norilsk, north of the Arctic Circle. He belongs to a generation of Russians that has never seen their athletes compete in the country's colours since taking up the sport. 'I feel a bit disappointed that I am not having a chance to compete internationally,' he says. 'At the Diamond League, I would be among the winners, for sure.' He proudly wears the logo of his club CSKA, under the Russian Ministry of Defence. Dozens of athletes from the club have been barred from competing in any sport by the International Olympic Committee, which has mandated that athletes seeking to compete without Russia's flag must not belong to sports clubs linked to security agencies. Ivanov says he trains every day in the hope that one day, he will be allowed to represent his country. London Olympics silver medallist long jumper Yelena Sokolova calls it a 'tragedy' that an entire generation of Russian athletes don't know what it's like to compete for the flag. 'At the same time, they don't know what they have lost. But I understand and it's a tragedy,' she says. She isn't the only one whose career suffered after the sanctions came into effect. Sergey Shubhenkov, a former world champion hurdler, says that in the first year of restrictions and competing as a neutral, he wondered why he was being punished. 'It was weird,' he says. 'The attention on Russian athletes was a lot more. But by 2018, everything was okay, we got used to it and it was like nothing happened. I was doing everything I needed to. I was allowed to compete, win, earn money, stand on the podium…' Everything changed after the blanket ban following the Ukraine invasion. 'When the companies left Russia, a lot of sponsorships just ended. I lost most of my income, but am still doing fine. You can earn in Russia practising sports without foreign sponsorships, pretty much like any other occupation,' Shubhenkov says. A lawyer by qualification, Shubhenkov, now in the twilight of his career, says he wouldn't earn the same amount of money in 'three-four years of working' as he would in one year of sport. The 34-year-old has been delaying his retirement in the hope that the sanctions will be lifted and he can bid farewell after competing one last time on an international platform. Here, they secretly hope that Friday's summit between the presidents of Russia and the USA leads to a solution that will eventually lead to their reinstatement. Until that happens, they appeal. 'Sport unites,' says Polina. 'Don't forget us.' (The reporter was in Kazan on the invitation of the Russian Athletics Federation)
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Glam much-younger girlfriend who ID'd Putin minister's body could be BANNED from funeral as ‘suicide' mystery deepens
THE girlfriend of Vladimir Putin's transport official who was found dead ahead of a fraud inquiry could be banned from his funeral. Roman Starovoit, 53, was Advertisement 11 Polina Korneeva had dated Roman Starovoit for several years Credit: Newsflash 11 25-year-old Polina might be barred from attending her boyfriend's funeral Credit: Newsflash 11 Roman Starovoit and Polina Korneeva had been together for several years Credit: Newsflash 11 Roman Starovoit's girlfriend Polina Korneeva, 25, who identified his body at the crime scene, according to reports Credit: East2West He was found beside his Tesla with a bullet wound to his head as the Now it has emerged that his long-term girlfriend, Polina was brought to the scene by law enforcement to identify the corpse on Monday. Political sources believed the couple were about to wed after photos of Polina in a wedding dress emerged, taken for a fashion magazine. Advertisement read more news Dad-of-two Starovoit divorced his wife in 2021, and Polina had become renowned as the First Lady of Kursk while he was regional governor. But the 25-year-old's dad, named only as Eduard in Russian media, revealed there are doubts over whether she will be allowed to attend his funeral. He said: "We spoke with Polina after Roman's death. But she didn't really tell us anything. "My daughter is very upset, she is in a depressed mood, she even refuses to talk to people around her. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun "We don't know yet whether Polina will be able to attend the funeral." He added: "Of course, I knew about my daughter's relationship with Roman. "They dated for several years. But I don't want to discuss how I felt about my daughter's choice. Trump slams Putin's 'bulls***' and trashes the tyrant's 'meaningless' promises to end Ukraine war in savage attack "We tried not to interfere in her personal life; she has the right to make such decisions herself." Advertisement Eduard went on to say that he didn't want to discuss "the details of how they first met" - alluding to their big age difference. Following 53-year-old Starovoit's death, Kremlin officials were quick to circulate the theory that he had committed suicide. Svetlana Petrenko, spokeswoman of the Investigative Committee of Russia, said: 'Today in the Odintsovo urban district, the body of the former Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, Roman Starovoit, was found in a personal car with a gunshot wound. 'Investigative bodies of the Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Moscow Region are working on the scene, establishing the circumstances of the incident. Advertisement "The main version is suicide.' Yet, Sergei Markov, director of Russia's Institute of Political Studies, sensationally went on the record to suggest Starovoit had been murdered. He said: 'The Russian elite was shocked by the suicide of Roman Starovoit, the former Minister of Transport, just a few hours after Putin removed him. 11 Roman Starovoit presented with a pistol by the Russian Interior Ministry with the weapon it is suspected that was used to kill him Advertisement 11 Political sources believed the couple were about to wed Credit: Newsflash 11 Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit attends a meeting in Mineralnye Vody in May Credit: AP 11 Dad-of-two Starovoit divorced his wife in 2021, and Polina had become renowned as the First Lady of Kursk Credit: Newsflash 'But it seems to me that those who eliminated him - that is, those against whom he could have testified after his arrest - are trying to hide his real murder by using the suicide version.' Advertisement Starovoit was sacked amid unconfirmed rumours he was implicated in a major corruption scandal. Putin gave no reason for his dismissal, later denying he had lost trust in him. His successor, Alexey Smirnov, was recently detained for embezzlement during the construction of border fortifications - and one version suggests he may have testified against Starovoit. Officials caught in corruption scandals often go to prison, raising questions about if Starovoit was set to be sent to the gulag by Vlad. Advertisement If his death is in fact a suicide, Starovoit's death would be a blow to Putin as his sacked ministers usually take being sent to prison on the chin. Staravoit was the Governor of Kursk from 2018 to 2024, when it was invaded and partially occupied by Ukraine forces. Russian police and security officials are said to be investigating his death as a suicide. Reports said the last time Starovoit communicated with his family was two days ago. Advertisement Starovoit had divorced his wife in 2021, the mother of his two children, and started a relationship with Polina. The dead ex-minister had a daughter 15, and son, 18. According to sources, on July 5, he arrived at the competition to see his daughter, stayed there for less than an hour, hugged her and left. He did not contact his family again. Advertisement Starovoit's passing is the latest in a string of suspicious deaths of Russian officials, oligarchs and insiders since Putin's invasion of Ukraine began. Many have died in reported suicides, falls from windows or under mysterious circumstances, fuelling speculation about growing instability behind the Kremlin's walls. 11 Starovoit had divorced his wife in 2021, the mother of his two children, and started a relationship with Polina Credit: Newsflash 11 Roman Starovoit's girlfriend Polina Korneeva is 25 years old Credit: East2West Advertisement 11 Russian Minister of Transport Roman Starovoit attends a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in January Credit: Reuters
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Glam much-younger girlfriend who ID'd Putin minister's body could be BANNED from funeral as ‘suicide' mystery deepens
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE girlfriend of Vladimir Putin's transport official who was found dead ahead of a fraud inquiry could be banned from his funeral. Roman Starovoit, 53, was sacked by Vlad on Monday after he couldn't stop Ukraine causing mayhem to Russia's aviation industry - and was found dead hours later. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 11 Polina Korneeva had dated Roman Starovoit for several years Credit: Newsflash 11 25-year-old Polina might be barred from attending her boyfriend's funeral Credit: Newsflash 11 Roman Starovoit and Polina Korneeva had been together for several years Credit: Newsflash 11 Roman Starovoit's girlfriend Polina Korneeva, 25, who identified his body at the crime scene, according to reports Credit: East2West He was found beside his Tesla with a bullet wound to his head as the mystery behind his "suicide" deepens. Now it has emerged that his long-term girlfriend, 25-year-old Polina Korneeva, might be barred from attending his funeral. Polina was brought to the scene by law enforcement to identify the corpse on Monday. Political sources believed the couple were about to wed after photos of Polina in a wedding dress emerged, taken for a fashion magazine. Dad-of-two Starovoit divorced his wife in 2021, and Polina had become renowned as the First Lady of Kursk while he was regional governor. But the 25-year-old's dad, named only as Eduard in Russian media, revealed there are doubts over whether she will be allowed to attend his funeral. He said: "We spoke with Polina after Roman's death. But she didn't really tell us anything. "My daughter is very upset, she is in a depressed mood, she even refuses to talk to people around her. "We don't know yet whether Polina will be able to attend the funeral." He added: "Of course, I knew about my daughter's relationship with Roman. "They dated for several years. But I don't want to discuss how I felt about my daughter's choice. Trump slams Putin's 'bulls***' and trashes the tyrant's 'meaningless' promises to end Ukraine war in savage attack "We tried not to interfere in her personal life; she has the right to make such decisions herself." Eduard went on to say that he didn't want to discuss "the details of how they first met" - alluding to their big age difference. Following 53-year-old Starovoit's death, Kremlin officials were quick to circulate the theory that he had committed suicide. Svetlana Petrenko, spokeswoman of the Investigative Committee of Russia, said: 'Today in the Odintsovo urban district, the body of the former Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, Roman Starovoit, was found in a personal car with a gunshot wound. 'Investigative bodies of the Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Moscow Region are working on the scene, establishing the circumstances of the incident. "The main version is suicide.' Yet, Sergei Markov, director of Russia's Institute of Political Studies, sensationally went on the record to suggest Starovoit had been murdered. He said: 'The Russian elite was shocked by the suicide of Roman Starovoit, the former Minister of Transport, just a few hours after Putin removed him. 11 Roman Starovoit presented with a pistol by the Russian Interior Ministry with the weapon it is suspected that was used to kill him 11 Political sources believed the couple were about to wed Credit: Newsflash 11 Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit attends a meeting in Mineralnye Vody in May Credit: AP 11 Dad-of-two Starovoit divorced his wife in 2021, and Polina had become renowned as the First Lady of Kursk Credit: Newsflash 'But it seems to me that those who eliminated him - that is, those against whom he could have testified after his arrest - are trying to hide his real murder by using the suicide version.' Starovoit was sacked amid unconfirmed rumours he was implicated in a major corruption scandal. Putin gave no reason for his dismissal, later denying he had lost trust in him. His successor, Alexey Smirnov, was recently detained for embezzlement during the construction of border fortifications - and one version suggests he may have testified against Starovoit. Officials caught in corruption scandals often go to prison, raising questions about if Starovoit was set to be sent to the gulag by Vlad. If his death is in fact a suicide, Starovoit's death would be a blow to Putin as his sacked ministers usually take being sent to prison on the chin. Staravoit was the Governor of Kursk from 2018 to 2024, when it was invaded and partially occupied by Ukraine forces. Russian police and security officials are said to be investigating his death as a suicide. Reports said the last time Starovoit communicated with his family was two days ago. Starovoit had divorced his wife in 2021, the mother of his two children, and started a relationship with Polina. The dead ex-minister had a daughter 15, and son, 18. According to sources, on July 5, he arrived at the competition to see his daughter, stayed there for less than an hour, hugged her and left. He did not contact his family again. Starovoit's passing is the latest in a string of suspicious deaths of Russian officials, oligarchs and insiders since Putin's invasion of Ukraine began. Many have died in reported suicides, falls from windows or under mysterious circumstances, fuelling speculation about growing instability behind the Kremlin's walls. 11 Starovoit had divorced his wife in 2021, the mother of his two children, and started a relationship with Polina Credit: Newsflash 11 Roman Starovoit's girlfriend Polina Korneeva is 25 years old Credit: East2West
The Advertiser
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Peace for Polina: Mayfield students help Ukrainian girl with animal mission
STUDENTS at Mayfield East Public School have rallied together to raise funds to support the work of an 11-year-old girl in Ukraine. Polina, who lives in Kiev, is helping animals displaced from their families by the war and is the subject of a documentary by local Newcastle filmmakers Shane and Agnes Burrell. The film explores Polina's fierce ambition to become a vet despite what war has thrown at her and her family. Having come across the documentary in their recent studies, Mayfield East Public School teacher Jacq Kimbell said the students in the enrichment group were instantly moved by Polina's mission. "Polina's trials, her work with animals, and her fierce ambition to become a vet despite what the war has thrown at her and her family was enough to spur the students into organising a fundraising day for them," she said. The group has been working with Shane and Agnes Burrell to get a personal insight into Polina's life. "It's added a whole new and very real dimension to their studies," Ms Kimbell said. They held a fundraiser on Friday, July 4 and incorporated Polina's story through Wakakirri, a national festival for schools to share stories through dance to make changes for the better. The group raised $3000 for Polina. Students from all years arranged stalls to run during the day, with baked goods, arts, crafts, face-painting and other activities available. Several businesses also made generous donations. STUDENTS at Mayfield East Public School have rallied together to raise funds to support the work of an 11-year-old girl in Ukraine. Polina, who lives in Kiev, is helping animals displaced from their families by the war and is the subject of a documentary by local Newcastle filmmakers Shane and Agnes Burrell. The film explores Polina's fierce ambition to become a vet despite what war has thrown at her and her family. Having come across the documentary in their recent studies, Mayfield East Public School teacher Jacq Kimbell said the students in the enrichment group were instantly moved by Polina's mission. "Polina's trials, her work with animals, and her fierce ambition to become a vet despite what the war has thrown at her and her family was enough to spur the students into organising a fundraising day for them," she said. The group has been working with Shane and Agnes Burrell to get a personal insight into Polina's life. "It's added a whole new and very real dimension to their studies," Ms Kimbell said. They held a fundraiser on Friday, July 4 and incorporated Polina's story through Wakakirri, a national festival for schools to share stories through dance to make changes for the better. The group raised $3000 for Polina. Students from all years arranged stalls to run during the day, with baked goods, arts, crafts, face-painting and other activities available. Several businesses also made generous donations. STUDENTS at Mayfield East Public School have rallied together to raise funds to support the work of an 11-year-old girl in Ukraine. Polina, who lives in Kiev, is helping animals displaced from their families by the war and is the subject of a documentary by local Newcastle filmmakers Shane and Agnes Burrell. The film explores Polina's fierce ambition to become a vet despite what war has thrown at her and her family. Having come across the documentary in their recent studies, Mayfield East Public School teacher Jacq Kimbell said the students in the enrichment group were instantly moved by Polina's mission. "Polina's trials, her work with animals, and her fierce ambition to become a vet despite what the war has thrown at her and her family was enough to spur the students into organising a fundraising day for them," she said. The group has been working with Shane and Agnes Burrell to get a personal insight into Polina's life. "It's added a whole new and very real dimension to their studies," Ms Kimbell said. They held a fundraiser on Friday, July 4 and incorporated Polina's story through Wakakirri, a national festival for schools to share stories through dance to make changes for the better. The group raised $3000 for Polina. Students from all years arranged stalls to run during the day, with baked goods, arts, crafts, face-painting and other activities available. Several businesses also made generous donations. STUDENTS at Mayfield East Public School have rallied together to raise funds to support the work of an 11-year-old girl in Ukraine. Polina, who lives in Kiev, is helping animals displaced from their families by the war and is the subject of a documentary by local Newcastle filmmakers Shane and Agnes Burrell. The film explores Polina's fierce ambition to become a vet despite what war has thrown at her and her family. Having come across the documentary in their recent studies, Mayfield East Public School teacher Jacq Kimbell said the students in the enrichment group were instantly moved by Polina's mission. "Polina's trials, her work with animals, and her fierce ambition to become a vet despite what the war has thrown at her and her family was enough to spur the students into organising a fundraising day for them," she said. The group has been working with Shane and Agnes Burrell to get a personal insight into Polina's life. "It's added a whole new and very real dimension to their studies," Ms Kimbell said. They held a fundraiser on Friday, July 4 and incorporated Polina's story through Wakakirri, a national festival for schools to share stories through dance to make changes for the better. The group raised $3000 for Polina. Students from all years arranged stalls to run during the day, with baked goods, arts, crafts, face-painting and other activities available. Several businesses also made generous donations.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Polina Kudermetova's Rising Net Worth: A Look at the Tennis Star's Earnings and Brand Partnerships
A soft echo drifts through the corridors of 's practice courts, as if time itself pauses to witness the ascent of a rising star. Polina Kudermetova emerges not merely as an athlete, but as a figure draped in whispered potential and quiet shadows—her presence suggesting a story yet unfolding. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In her hands, the tennis racket is a wand; her serves—incantations that charm both crowd and court. Behind the athletic façade lies the hidden tapestry of her earnings, endorsements, and growing fortune. What secrets might lie within her assets, prize money, and brand partnerships? As other prodigies chase fleeting spotlight, Polina weaves her own myth, anchored in rigorous triumphs and financial gains that speak of ambition, discipline, and opportunity. What follows delves not into speculation, but into verified reality—the substance behind the mysticism. Everything we know about Polina's WTA earnings & net worth Polina Kudermetova has steadily built a strong earnings base on the WTA tour. According to the official WTA page, she has earned approximately US $459,469 in career prize money as of mid‑2025 . However, her official Wikipedia profile lists a larger sum, totaling US $891,218 —likely reflecting more recent tournaments not yet updated on the WTA site. Commercial estimators currently place Polina's net worth at around US $1 million as of early 2025. This combines her prize payouts with sponsorship earnings, aligning with her consistent WTA performances, including her run to the Brisbane International final in January 2025. Polina exploded into public view after reaching her first WTA singles final at the Brisbane International in January 2025. During that tournament, she earned significant prize money en route to the final, notably defeating top‑10 player Daria Kasatkina ⎯ a performance marking both athletic and financial breakthroughs. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Polina Kudermetova's assets & material wealth While exact real estate holdings are not public, Polina lives in Moscow, and trains internationally—transitioning between hubs. At 22, her accumulation of luxury assets beyond racquets and court gear is, as yet, modest. But the steady rise in sponsorships suggests a future expansion in her asset portfolio. Polina Kudermetova's brand endorsements and other partnerships Although still early in her career, Polina has attracted notable brand deals like Wilson for racquets and Asics for apparel and shoes. She is also known to endorse Lotto Sports US, a sports shoe brand. These alliances reflect her upward momentum and signal growing commercial interest as she breaks into the WTA Top 60. Having achieved a career-high ranking of No. 54 (April 14, 2025) and maintaining a Top 60 position, Polina is primed for deeper runs at Grand Slams. Each round advanced brings greater financial reward—both in prize money and exposure for sponsors. Comparatively, her elder sister Veronika secures deals with Lee‑brand sponsors like Nike and Wilson, indicating a family reputation benefiting Polina. As her global profile increases, deeper endorsement agreements may follow—a testament to her talent and marketability. Also read: Polina Kudermetova's journey is an unfolding testament to determination, skill, and financial savvy. From prize-won clefts of clay to the polished courts of WTA finals, each point and partnership chisels a stronger professional. Her net worth—though modest at around US $1 million—hides potential yet to be unlocked. With brand alliances building and rankings rising, her future seems destined for greater wealth and influence. For aspiring players watching from the wings, Polina's ascent offers a blueprint: merge relentless work ethic with strategic career choices, and the seeds planted on the court today may bloom into legacy—both in sport and in life.
