Dina Averina, the 18-time world champion in rhythmic gymnastics, said she was not ready to go to the Olympic Games without the Russian flag and anthem TASS.
“We were already in a neutral position at the Tokyo Games. Now I would probably prefer to travel with the flag and anthem. Irina Aleksandrovna Wiener discussed all this with us. Of course we have the same thoughts,” Averina said.
Dina Averina won the silver medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, breaking the 20-year winning streak of Russian gymnasts in the individual all-around games.
At the end of February 2022, the IOC issued a call to international sports federations and recommended 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. The organization has also suggested that athletes affiliated with the armed forces and security agencies, as well as national teams, be rejected in team disciplines.
Previously Wiener statedHe said Russia did not accept the condition of competing under a neutral flag.
Source: Gazeta
Gregory Robert is a sports aficionado and a writer for “Social Bites”. He provides in-depth coverage of the latest sporting events and trends, offering a unique and knowledgeable perspective on the world of sports.