Olga Zabelinskaya

Olga Zabelinskaya London Olympic Road Race - July 2012

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Olga Zabelinskaya is a professional cyclist who has made significant contributions to the sport, particularly in time trial and road race disciplines. Born on May 10, 1980, in Moscow, Russia, Zabelinskaya comes from a family with a rich history in cycling, which has greatly influenced her career path.

Early Life and Career

Olga Zabelinskaya was born into a family of cyclists; her father, Sergei Zabelinsky, was a professional cyclist who competed in the 1980 Summer Olympics. Growing up in such an environment, Zabelinskaya was introduced to cycling at a young age. She quickly showed promise and began competing in junior competitions, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport.

Professional Career

Zabelinskaya's professional career took off in the early 2000s, where she quickly made a name for herself in the international cycling circuit. Her prowess in time trials and road races distinguished her from her peers, leading to numerous victories and podium finishes.

One of the highlights of her career came during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where she won bronze medals in both the road race and the time trial events. These achievements marked her as one of the top cyclists in the world. Zabelinskaya continued to compete at a high level, participating in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where she again won a bronze medal in the time trial event.

Throughout her career, Zabelinskaya has faced challenges, including allegations of doping. These allegations have led to periods of suspension and scrutiny, yet she has continued to compete, representing her country at the highest levels of the sport.

Later Career and Nationality Change

In the later stages of her career, Zabelinskaya made the decision to change her nationality, opting to represent Uzbekistan in international competitions. This decision was influenced by various factors, including the desire to continue competing at the Olympics amidst the doping scandal that affected Russian athletes' eligibility.

Legacy

Olga Zabelinskaya's career is marked by her resilience, talent, and dedication to cycling. Despite the controversies, her achievements in the Olympics and other international competitions have secured her place in the history of the sport. Her ability to excel in both time trials and road races, combined with her longevity in the sport, makes her a standout figure in women's cycling.

See Also

• Cycling at the Summer Olympics
• List of Olympic medalists in cycling (women)