Olympic champion in modern pentathlon Alexander Lesun refused to represent Russia at international competitions because of the situation in Ukraine.
“I was proud to race under the Russian flag. Russia has always been dear to my heart, something powerful, wonderful. And now I’m not talking about politics or the military, I’m talking about people, about the beauty of nature. I have always felt connected to my country. I am now retired from all sports duties. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I understand that the world will never be the same, ”says the athlete “BBC”.
Lesun was born in Borisov, Belarus and until 2008 represented this country at international competitions. After the games in Beijing, he started playing for Russia. The pentathlete explained that he was forbidden to compete in Belarus, this was due to health problems and promoted the student of the coach of the national team.
As a result, speaking for the Russian team at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Lesun won a gold medal in the pentathlon. He finished fourth at the London Games.
Previously, three former Russian biathlete He was not included in the Ukrainian national team..