State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova called on Sebastian Coe, president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (World Athletics), to return the medals he won at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. The words of the former athlete were quoted Metatations.
“Since Coe is so consistent and doesn’t like Russia very much, he should give back the medals he won at the 1980 Olympics. But he won’t do that,” Zhurova said.
The MP also added that the World Athletics President’s promise not to let the Russians in will not earn him additional votes in the upcoming International Olympic Committee (IOC) elections.
“He thinks that Russia will be supported more after the statements that Russia should not be allowed in. Believe me, everything will be exactly the opposite. “Many will say that this bloodthirsty person prioritizes Russophobic sentiments, not sports,” Zhurova added.
On October 28, Coe, in a meeting with the head of Ukraine’s subcommittee on elite sports and sports activities, Olga Saladukha, assured that she would not allow Russian athletes to compete even in a neutral status.
Coe took charge of World Athletics in 2015. At the same time, the All-Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) was suspended until 2023 due to the doping scandal.
He won gold in the 1500 meters and silver in the 800 meters at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Previously Irina Viner appreciated Chances of a Russian being nominated for the IOC presidency.