Belarus` Popchanka to swim for France 12:01, 10/12/2004, AFP
Alena Popchanka of Belarus, the women`s 200m freestyle champion in 2003, announced that she is transferring her allegiance to France with an eye on competing at the 2008 Olympic Games.
Popchanka said she is to marry her French coach and boyfriend Frederic Vergnoux in early 2005.
"I will thus obtain French nationality ... which would allow me to join the French team," she said.
"I want to swim at least until the 2008 Olympic Games in the colours of France," said the 25-year-old.
Under international swimming regulations that requires one year out of competition after a request to transfer nationalities, Popchanka would be eligible to compete for France in early 2006.
"I`ve lived in France for three years," said the Belarussian. "I`ve learnt to appreciate this country and French swimming. I`ve found a welcoming land and I intend to make my life here."
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