The contribution of foreign players in the success of Azerbaijan in the European Games

A significant contribution to the success of Azerbaijani sportsmen in European games made  so-called "legionnaires." Of the 58 medals (including three bronze medals in the team competition in gymnastics all-around) won by representatives of Azerbaijan, 23 fell to naturalized foreigners. At the same time, it should be noted the success of native Ukrainian gymnast Oleg Stepko won five medals, including one gold.

However, it should be noted that many Legionnaires were attracted by  sports federations of the country a few years ago, and the formation of them as mature athletes took place in Azerbaijan.

For example, Mariya Stadnik was not included in due time  in the main part of Ukrainian national team on female wrestling and was invited to Azerbaijan. As a part of Azerbaijan, in 2012  she became the bronze medalist at the London Olympics, having won gold at the European games.

A native of North Ossetia Hetag Gazyumov, who became a bronze medalist at the Olympic Games in London, Baku became the winners of the Games.

A native of Sebastopol Marina Durunda lived in  Cyprus since six years old.  Despite the fact that up to 15-years old, she won all the competitions in the country, she was not given citizenship. After that, she was invited to the Federation of gymnastics of Azerbaijan; at the European games Durunda ranked second.-06D-