Two-time Olympic swimming champion Evgeny Rylov spoke about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s influence on sports in the country. His words are quoted TASS.
“I believe that the president attaches great importance to sports and it pays off, because every year more and more people go to sports.
If we talk about the Olympic Games in Paris, the support of the president is more important for me now, but I cannot deny the importance of sports, because sports allowed me to reach certain heights and positions in society,” Rylov said.
On April 22, 2022, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) suspended Evgeny Rylov from all competitions under the auspices of the federation for nine months due to his participation in a rally concert in Luzhniki. It is also worth noting that the organization also prohibits all Russian and Belarusian swimmers from participating in international competitions, even if they have the status of neutral athletes.
The 25-year-old Russian won the final 200-meter backstroke and 100-meter backstroke events at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Russia in the name IOC President Bach will take responsibility for the award received from Putin.