Viktor An claimed three Olympic golds for Russia at Sochi 2014 but has found his path to coaching jobs in his native South Korea blocked ©Getty Images

Six-time Olympic champion Victor An, who changed his citizenship from South Korean to Russian during his short-track speed skating career, has missed out on a coaching job in his native country.

An won three Olympic golds when representing South Korea under the name Hyun-Soo Ahn at Turin 2006 before competing for Russia at Sochi 2014, where he claimed a further three titles.

Following his retirement, An was criticised in South Korea for trying to find coaching roles in his home country after switching his allegiance to Russia.

An was part of China’s coaching team for last year’s Winter Olympics at Beijing 2022.

Victor An, left, competed under the name of Hyun-Soo Ahn, when representing South Korea ©Getty Images
Victor An, left, competed under the name of Hyun-Soo Ahn, when representing South Korea ©Getty Images

According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, An was among the seven candidates interviewed for a coaching position at Seongnam City Hall’s short-track speed skating team but did not make the cut.

"When we reviewed candidates' resumes and went over their interviews, we looked into many different elements, including their communication skills," a Seongnam City Hall official told Yonhap.

"We also considered the prevailing sentiment in the speed skating community and media coverage of the situation."

Kim Sun-tae, who coached South Korea at Pyeongchang 2018 and China at Beijing 2022, was also under consideration for the role at Seongnam City Hall.