Olympic champion in speed skating, State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova commented on the statement of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach that he was afraid of Russia’s aggressive statements on the eve of the 2024 Paris Olympics. In a conversation with socialbites.ca, he said that Russia would react harshly if the IOC demands Russian athletes to sign documents stating that they do not recognize Vladimir Putin as the President of the Russian Federation and do not support the SVO in Ukraine.
“This is not aggression, but we would be absolutely stunned if our athletes were forced to sign documents against the SVO, against Putin. They will no longer recognize Putin as president, and I admit that they may force the athletes to sign some documents – that Putin is not recognized, Crimea and four other Russian regions are not recognized, and the Northern Military District is not supported. If something like this happens, of course we will speak out harshly. Let them name a case when in the entire history of the Olympic Games at least one neutral athlete from other countries did something similar.
Apparently they are already preparing some documents and anticipating our reaction to such “proposals”. And the reaction will be really harsh,” Zhurova promised.
At the end of February 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) appealed to international sports federations, recommending that Russian and Belarusian athletes not be allowed to participate in any competitions.
To qualify for the Games, Russian athletes will have to sign updated conditions of participation that include a commitment to respect the Olympic Charter, including the “peaceful mission of the Olympic movement”, the IOC said. Russian athletes who rank well in their disciplines will be allowed to compete.
Previously Bach in the name be responsible for words.