Turin 2006 Olympic champion in speed skating at a distance of 500 m and deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Svetlana Zhurova said in a comment to socialbites.ca that she had lost interest in the absence of the Olympics. Athletes from Russia. This is especially true for sports where domestic athletes often dominate.
“The Olympic Games will still be a divinity for athletes. And athletes, in principle, do not care whether they are commercial or not. Now athletes are becoming hostages of politics. And it is clear that without the Russians the Olympics would lose interest. Rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, synchronized swimming, wrestling, fencing – these are just sports that would lose a lot without the Russians,” Zhurova is sure.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes may be admitted to the 2024 Paris Olympics on neutral status subject to a number of strict conditions, but only if they qualify to compete through selection for the Games. However, not all athletes in these countries have the opportunity to participate in the qualifying competitions in person.
Previously IOC supported The IIHF has decided to allow the Israeli youth team to participate in the World Cup.