2022 Olympic champion Russian skier Veronika Stepanova said there is no point in Russian athletes traveling to the Olympic Games if all the necessary criteria are met. His words lead the way “Match TV”.
“I don’t know what an athlete or wrestler can count on without a full-fledged support group, I can’t judge. But the skier will be just a tourist. Why go as a tourist, especially when there are so many humiliating restrictions? To please “those who slander Russia” – “look how the Russians have weakened under sanctions.” – said Stepanova.
On September 12, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the plenary meeting of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) that athletes themselves should decide on their participation in the Olympics.
At the end of February 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) appealed to international sports federations, recommending that Russian and Belarusian athletes not be allowed to participate in any competitions.
At the meeting of the IOC Executive Committee on March 28, 2023, it was proposed to allow the Russians to remain in neutral status if the athletes are not actively involved in supporting military operations. Some federations offer Russians to sign a declaration of neutrality in order to participate in tournaments.
Former three-time Olympic champion Irina Rodnina statedThat it is better not to go to the Games under humiliating conditions.