Sochi 2014: I had to choose Russia, says US-born snowboard king Vic Wild

Vic Wild insisted he had to represent Russia over his native USA in order to have the opportunity to become the first snowboarder to win two medals at a single Winter Olympics.

The 27-year-old was born in Washington and originally competed for USA before applying for Russian citizenship in 2011 after his marriage to fellow snowboarder Alena Zavarzina.

It wasn’t like I had an opportunity in the US and then decided to go to Russia. It’s not like there was an option

Vic Wild

Wild took Russia’s 10th gold of the Games by narrowly beating Slovenia’s Zan Kosir to the top spot, adding to his giant slalom title that he won on Wednesday.

“Today I feel like I am the luckiest man in the world. I was beyond myself, it didn’t feel like it was me, it was beyond my riding,” said Wild.

He added that Russia was the only choice to ensure he furthered his career and was able to prosper at these Games.

“I wouldn’t even be here if I hadn’t. I wouldn’t be snowboarding.

“It wasn’t like I had an opportunity in the US and then decided to go to Russia. It’s not like there was an option.

“I had to make a life for myself, I had to make money. It was the only way if I wanted to snowboard.”

Earlier in the women’s event, Austria’s Julia Dujmovits took gold, with Germany’s Anke Karstens and Amelie Kober winning silver and bronze respectively.

Samsung are a proud partner of Team GB and are supporting the Samsung Galaxy Team. To meet the team, see exclusive content and win amazing prizes, including once-in-a-lifetime winter sport training sessions with the Samsung Galaxy Team athletes, visit: www.samsung.com/uk/sochi2014