Valeria Smirnova arrived as one of more than 45 newcomers to this year’s Georgia track and field teams.  Smirnova is training to add her name to the long list of ultra-successful high jumpers in Bulldog history.  She took gold in both the 2025 Baltic U-20 Championships and the 2025 Estonian U-20 Championships and has soared over the high jump bar at better than 6 feet.

 

Here is a Q&A with the Tallinn, Estonia, native: 

 

Q: Where are you from?

 

Valeria: I was born and raised in Estonia.

 

Q: Are there any differences between America and Estonia?

 

Valeria: America is very different, the mentality, the language and of course the culture. 

 

Q: What languages do you speak? 

 

Valeria: Estonian, Russian and English. 

 

Q: When did you start track? 

 

Valeria: I was 8 years old and a P.E. teacher asked me if I wanted to go to track practice and ever since then I loved it. 

 

Q: Was touring UGA your first time in America?

 

Valeria: Yes, I only had a tour with Georgia (and another school). 

 

Q: Why did you choose Georgia?

 

Valeria: Both schools are great, but I honestly felt connected to Georgia more, you know, with the team. And I also like the changes in seasons in Athens.  I do like the cold season in Georgia being from the north, from Estonia. 

 

Q: Do you have any goals for this season? 

 

Valeria: I was injured a few years ago and have been reinjured, but my recovery has been good at Georgia. 

 

Q: Is there anything specific you always have before a meet?

 

Valeria: Actually when I was younger, I would wear the same socks to every race but of course I grew out of them. So now I bring that pair to every meet with me in my bag as good luck for me. It reminds me of why and when I started jumping. 

 

Q: What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment? 

 

Valeria: I competed in the Junior Olympics and I feel like as of now, I’d say that’s my biggest one. 

 

Q: What is something unique or surprising about you that not many people would expect?

 

Valeria: When I was in Estonia, I finished music school and now I can play the piano and sing, so many people are surprised when I tell them that. 

 

Q: Do you have a favorite brand or style of clothing?

 

Valeria: Not really, no favorite brand, but I really like dressing officially.  I dress more professional and put together because I feel like the way you present yourself is helping in your performance. 

 

Q: Do you have a favorite singer? 

 

Valeria: I think my Spotify Wrapped was The Weeknd at #1. 

 

Q: Do you have a favorite animal?

 

Valeria: I’ll go with a leopard. They’re very fast and I just think they’re really beautiful too. 

 

Q: Do you have a favorite color? 

 

Valeria: I like navy blue. 

 

Q: Do you have any celebrity look alikes?

 

Valeria: Not really, but mostly people refer me to random models. I think because I am tall and slim that makes them think of models. 

 

Q: Are you more of a coffee or energy drink person? 

 

Valeria: Actually I am neither. I don’t drink any caffeine so I really drink a lot of water and electrolytes to keep me healthy. It is good for jumping and my sport.