Dmitry Svishchev, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sports, commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks that international sports officials distort ideas about the world and the dependence of sports organizations on sponsors overshadows the Olympic movement. In his statement to socialbites.ca, Svishchev stated that he agreed with the Russian leader and said that the sanctions against athletes from Russia were legitimate.
“Unfortunately, everything that happens in the world of sports under the leadership of the International Olympic Committee contradicts the principles on which Olympism was created. Now the President is focused on this once again, and we heard it very well.
We actually see our players being suspended from the Olympics, then allowed to return with major sanctions. Moreover, there are demands for the acceptance of our athletes, but there are so many restrictions that it is not clear whether they will be able to compete or not. At first it was said that 8 of our athletes would be included in the Olympics, now we have 6 athletes. This sounds like the ramblings of a madman. Our men must prove that they have no relations with clubs affiliated with law enforcement agencies… There are many restrictions and sanctions that are not only unfair, but also illegal.
Like most athletes and Russian citizens, I fully share the president’s position. If this continues, this can truly be called the funeral of the Olympic movement,” says Svishchev.
On December 8, the International Olympic Committee allowed athletes from Russia to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games with neutral status.
The IOC said Russian athletes will be required to sign updated conditions of participation, which include a commitment to respect the Olympic Charter, including the “peaceful mission of the Olympic movement”. Russian athletes who rank well in their disciplines will be allowed to compete.
On October 12, 2023, the IOC announced the suspension of the PRC until further notice, following the inclusion of the Olympic Councils of the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions in the Russian organization.
Former Olympic champion statedHe said there would be doping provocations against Russians at the Games.