Russian Fencing Federation (RFF) President Ilgar Mammedov supported words President of the All-Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation Irina Viner said that Russian gymnasts will not perform without a flag and anthem, because it is a shame. His speech leads the way “Sports Express”.
“We have our own country, our own values and traditions. Therefore, there is no point in competing in competitions like homeless children. Can participating in the Olympics be considered shameful? We have a tough election that continues throughout the year and we need to show results during this time. And since we missed ten months, we have such an opportunity [участие в Олимпиаде] no,” said Mammadov.
In 2022, against the background of the start of SVO in Ukraine, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach recommended that international federations exclude Russian athletes from international competitions. On January 25, 2023, the IOC announced that it was considering the possibility of allowing Russian athletes who do not support the holding of the SBO to participate in international competitions in a neutral status.
On December 8, the International Olympic Committee allowed athletes from Russia to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games with neutral status.
It was initially reported that eight Russians and three Belarusians received licenses for the Games, but on December 13 the IOC press service corrected this data. Now the organization’s website says that six Russian and five Belarusian athletes have won quotas for the Olympics. In the same message, the IOC emphasized that “no flags, anthems or any symbols of Russia or Belarus will be flown at the Olympic Games” and “no government officials from Russia or Belarus will be invited to the Games.”
Previously Dmitry Guberniev Reacted Wiener’s remarks about his refusal to go to the Games without a flag and anthem.