“Wrong and ugly”: The head of the PRC called the Russians at the Olympics a “team of foreign agents” Pozdnyakov called the Russian tennis players at the Olympics a “team of foreign agents” 04/05/2024, 20:02

“Foreign Agents Team”

President of the Russian Olympic Committee Stanislav Pozdnyakov commented on the statement of the president of the All-Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation (VFKhG) and national team head coach Irina Viner regarding the participation of Russian athletes in the Olympic Games in neutral status. Wiener called such athletes “a team of homeless people”, and Pozdnyakov stated that he also shared and supported his view, only using different terminology.

“The only thing I do not agree with is the definition of “a team of homeless people”, especially for tennis players who live abroad most of the time, earn money there and at the same time claim that they “play”. “For themselves,” they condemn the policies of their country and the Central Military District.

So, from my point of view, it would be more accurate to say “a team of foreign agents”. There will be absolutely no obstacle to them representing themselves at the Olympics.

Moreover, individual Olympic entrepreneurship is now actively supported from Lausanne,” Pozdnyakov wrote. Telegram.

The PRC president added that he respects the achievements of Russian tennis players on the courts. Pozdnyakov also emphasized that their approach “from a humanitarian and civilian perspective” differs from his own view.

Wiener said in a statement: spoke I returned at the end of March. However, the reaction of the PRC president sparked a new wave of controversy regarding this situation. Yes, printing Readovka His author published a column expressing solidarity with Pozdnyakov’s position and urging neutral athletes not to return to Russia from the Olympics.

He who says “A” should say “B”. He abandoned his homeland, so why not swear allegiance to his enemy? You can also find a neutral language instead of Russian. This is where distilled athletes will express their thoughts, ideas and values.

But it’s all in vain. For the West, they will never be one of their own, they will remain “homeless” without clan and tribe. Well, for us they ceased to be ours only by embarking on this path of humiliation. And it was their own choice; there is no one to blame,” the material says.

Against this background, it became known that Russian swimmer Ivan Girev appealed to the International Federation of Aquatics (World Aquatics) with a request to cancel his neutral status – he was the only Russian swimmer who received this status on the eve of the Olympics. At the same time, the president of the All-Russian Swimming Federation (RSF) Vladimir Salnikov has repeatedly called the International Olympic Committee (IOC) requirements for Russians to participate in the Games as insulting.

“After consulting with the Independent Aquatics Integrity Office, we can confirm that Mr Girev has requested that his status as a Neutral Independent Athlete be revoked.” RIA News World Aquatics press release.

“Let these words be on your conscience”

The tennis players mentioned by the president did not remain indifferent to the statements of Wiener and Pozdnyakova. The world’s fourth racket, Daniil Medvedev, noted that he would be happy to compete in the Olympic Games if given the chance.

“Everyone has the right to their own opinion in life, just like I have the right to disagree with them. Everyone has their own reasons to think this way and not the other way around. “I repeat on my own behalf: If there is an opportunity, I will gladly go,” Medvedev said. “Sports Express”.

Yevgeny Kafelnikov, the most famous tennis player in Russian history, made a brief evaluation about the words directed at neutral athletes. He called for Pozdnyakov’s opinion to be left to his conscience.

Kafelnikov is quoted as saying, “May these words he said be on his conscience.” “Championship”.

“Unacceptable, wrong and ugly”

Olympic champion in speed skating, State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova interpreted Pozdnyakov’s words in her own way. She reminded that there is legislation determining the status of a foreign agent, and the head of the PRC spoke figuratively.

“Foreign agents have certain characteristics, including those defined by law. If our tennis players comply with these, they will be considered foreign agents. And if they don’t, then it’s wrong to call them that. “I think it’s a metaphorical expression,” says Zhurova. vprognoze.ru.

In an interview with him, he added: “Match TV”If we call tennis players foreign managers, they will be managers “by force”.

“Our tennis players were forced to become foreign agents. <...> According to our budget law, we cannot pay for their participation in Grand Slam tournaments because they are commercial,” Zhurova said.

In turn, Tatyana Tarasova, Honored Figure Skating Coach of the USSR, harshly criticized Pozdnyakov.

“We want to ensure that all athletes are allowed to participate in the Olympics. And Pozdnyakov calls out those who have already been considered foreign agents. This is unacceptable, wrong and ugly,” he said. metaratings.ru.