Published: Monday January 7, 2013 MYT 8:52:00 PM
Tobias 'devastated' by Lithuanian 'No'
VILNIUS - Lithuania's president on Monday declined citizenship for US ice dancer Isabella Tobias, dashing her hopes to compete in the 2014 Sochi Olympics with her partner from the Baltic state.
"Well everyone, thank you so much for everything. As I'm sure you can understand, we are devastated", Tobias and her Lithuanian ice dancing partner Deividas Stagniunas said on Facebook Monday.
Tobias failed to meet the strict requirements to secure a Lithuanian passport, an advisor to President Dalia Grybauskaite said.
"Under the law, the person must have earned outstanding merit for the state of Lithuania. Citizenship cannot be granted for future merits," advisor Rasa Svetikaite told AFP.
"Citizenship is not a gift or a state award," she said, adding that the law also requires a person seeking citizenship be integrated into Lithuanian society.
Tobias, 21, has been figure skating with Lithuanian Deividas Stagniunas since 2010 but she must be a citizen to compete in the Olympics.
Last year, the Tobias and Stagniunas finished 9th at the European Championships and now the couple is ranked 13th in the world. - AFP
- Hosts Malaysia make a tame exit at the hands of Germany
- BAM: There will be no more sweeping under the carpet
- It’s the last $traw thanks to the BWF
- Japanese upset Danes and Joo-bong is all smiles
- Denmark not prepared to take on mighty China just yet
- Dane loves to unwind with her Modern Family
- Tommy not afraid to play for country despite loss
- Low Wee Wern fails to clear opening round again in British Open
- Cyclists give the thumbs up to world-class velodrome
- Golf governing bodies ban controversial putter from 2016
- Garcia apologises for 'fried chicken' jibe at Woods
- Tomic will play French Open despite troubles - Woodbridge
- Winger Ioane faces fitness race for first Lions test
- Cheruiyot expecting first child, aims to return in 2014
- Ramy wins fiery battle of words and deeds
- Injured Murray withdraws from French Open
- Zhang Jike retains world crown to secure fourth major title in a row
- Joy for Thongchai after Match-Play woe
- Rafie set to help Modenas catch up with rivals
- BAM: There will be no more sweeping under the carpet
RSS
