Sports commentator Dmitry Guberniev openly criticized Elena Valeryevna Vyalbe, the president of the Russian Ski Racing Federation, after she suggested that Russian athletes might not receive support at the 2024 Olympics if they compete under a neutral flag. His remarks appeared on the program Sovet Sport, where he expressed his personal stance and urged consideration for the athletes who train and compete under difficult circumstances.
Guberniev questioned the remarks attributed to Vyalbe, noting that biathletes are part of a big sporting family and that isolating individuals or groups could hurt Russian sport as a whole. He argued that statements like these could mislead the public and misrepresent the broader spirit of Russian athletics, at a time when unity and resilience are often highlighted in domestic sports discourse.
The broadcaster added that Elena Valerievna has already drawn controversy with comments that some perceived as divisive. He suggested that her words might appear inconsistent with the image of Russian sports, which has historically emphasized collective strength and national pride. In his view, such statements risk undermining morale and provoking unnecessary tension amid ongoing debates within the sports community.
Guberniev emphasized that citizens who deeply love their country should support Russian athletes who will pursue success in Paris by any legitimate means. He insisted that these athletes deserve recognition and encouragement, regardless of political or administrative constraints, underscoring a belief in national solidarity and the importance of competing with honor on the world stage.
Since Russia initiated its military operation in Ukraine, the International Olympic Committee has guided international federations to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes from competitions, a policy issued in February 2022. The implications of these guidelines were historically significant and shaped the participation decisions of many athletes in subsequent global events. The formal decision for the 2024 Games was announced at the end of 2023, with authorities outlining how athletes would be affected by the revised participation rules and the conditions surrounding eligibility in Paris.
According to the IOC, Russian competitors in Paris would be required to sign updated terms of participation, including commitments to uphold the Olympic Charter and its peaceful mission. The policy allowed athletes who had achieved high rankings within their disciplines to compete, provided they adhered to the specified guidelines and demonstrated a clear commitment to the Olympic principles. Paris 2024 was scheduled to run from July 26 to August 11, presenting a challenging but historically meaningful stage for Russian athletes to showcase their talents on the international arena.
In earlier remarks, Vyalbe had suggested a broader conception of Russian skiers and biathletes as a unified family. Critics argued that this stance could be used to promote cohesion while potentially downplaying individual rights and varying perspectives within the sports community. The dialogue around these topics reflected the larger tensions between national sports organizations, international governance bodies, and the athletes themselves as they prepared for a high-stakes Olympic cycle.