Zabelinskaya's career highlights include winning two gold medals at the 2019 Asian Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. She also made history by becoming the first road cyclist from the Russian Federation to win three Olympic medals, securing silver in the individual time trial at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.

Her accolades extend beyond her Olympic success. In 2022, she was honoured with the title of Honoured Athlete of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Additionally, she received the Order for Merits to the Fatherland in Russia for her performances at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

Switching Allegiance

In August 2018, Zabelinskaya switched her allegiance from Russia to Uzbekistan. This decision was influenced by concerns that a previous doping violation might prevent her from competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The International Cycling Union confirmed her nationality switch that month.

Despite her hopes to represent Uzbekistan at the 2018 Asian Games, she was deemed ineligible due to a rule by the Olympic Council of Asia. Her appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport was dismissed.

Challenges and Setbacks

Zabelinskaya's journey has not been without its challenges. In April 2010, she was involved in an accident in Italy, resulting in a haematoma of the liver. Despite this setback, she returned to light training shortly after being discharged from the hospital.

In March 2014, she tested positive for octopamine and faced an 18-month ban from June that year. Although she maintained her innocence, it wasn't until December 2015 that she was cleared by the Russian Cycling Federation's anti-doping commission. A settlement with the International Cycling Union allowed her to compete again and aim for a spot at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Personal Life and Interests

Zabelinskaya resides in Jizzax, Uzbekistan, with her husband Yury Anoshin and their children: sons Bogdan and Vitaly, and daughter Evelina. She is multilingual, speaking English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish.

A graduate of Herzen Russian State Pedagogical University in St. Petersburg with a degree in Pedagogy, Zabelinskaya also enjoys motorcycling as a hobby.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Zabelinskaya aims to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Her dedication to cycling continues to drive her forward as she prepares for this upcoming challenge.

Zabelinskaya's career is a testament to her resilience and passion for cycling. From early beginnings in St. Petersburg to representing Uzbekistan on the international stage, she has navigated numerous obstacles while achieving remarkable success.