21-year-old Veronika Stepanova has made a big impact this year.
At the Beijing Olympics, she decided for the Russian team and took home the relay gold.
She has also been very active on social media and is often seen in other media contexts.
The Russian ski boss Jelena Välbe is tired of this.
- I understand that you want to appear in a lot of TV programs after the Olympics, but there is a limit and Veronika has crossed it, Välbe says to Ria Novosti.
"She's got hubris"
Välbe continues its criticism:
- She's got hubris.
I can barely see the smoke from her anymore.
Sometimes I feel like calling her and explaining that it's better to train than to show her face on TV.
Has she intended to become a politician or ?, says Välbe to Ria Nostovi.
Stepanova withdrew from the Russian championships in Tyumen due to illness, something she communicated before the competitions started.
Instead, she appeared in a TV show in Moscow.
"Why the hell is she not here?"
The star's non-participation in the Russian championships makes Välbe furious.
- Everyone is in the Russian championships, so what is she doing in Moscow?
If she's sick, she needs care, so why the hell is she not here ?, says Välbe.
Stepanova's response: "Do not feel guilty"
Veronika Stepanova responds to the criticism.
"Of course, I will not enter into a public debate with the management.
I do not feel guilty, but I will analyze and take into account the criticism ", she writes on social media.
Russian sports commentator and media personality Dmitry Guberniev takes Stepanova's side.
“She is the face of our sport, smart and beautiful.
I am proud of my sports country and the skier Stepanova ", he writes on social media.