The Russian Federation's Skating Union has denied claims that they have previously held talks with the United States and South Korea over "buying" the services of speed skater Viktor Ahn.
The Seoul-born 28-year-old, who has also used the name Ahn Hyun-Soo, has been the subject of the claims since moving to Russia in 2011 to compete for the future Winter Olympics host, despite having previously competed for his country of birth since childhood.
"We have been constantly asked about our "buying" Viktor," Union President Alexei Kravtsov is quoted as saying by ITAR-TASS. "In March 2011, we received a letter from Victor Ahn's uncle, who is also his agent.
"The letter said that the athlete wanted to come to Russia to train with our national team. I invited him in Moscow for talks. This is how it started."
Ahn, who won three gold medals for South Korea at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin, took his tally of gold medals at the 2014 Winter Olympics to three on Friday by winning the men's 500m and the 5,000m team relay.
Giuseppe Labellarte
