State Duma deputy Biysultan Khamzaev asserted that two-time Olympic pole vault champion Yelena Isinbayeva continues to hold a seat on the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission. He stated that she was not selected by Russian athletes and citizens of the country, but rather chosen through a process within the IOC, described as a non-profit framework where peers decide on representation. He argued that public discourse around the IOC is often inflated and that this organization should be recognized for what it is rather than overly glorified, suggesting that the selection reflects broader international involvement rather than national sentiment alone.
According to Khamzaev, Isinbayeva speaks for herself and those in her orbit, not for Russia or its people. He claimed that the population of Russia has its own distinct stance, separate from Isinbayeva’s portrayed cosmopolitan view. He questioned which part of the world she aligns with, noting that today global dynamics are divided into several blocs, with attention drawn to Western, Eastern, Asian, and Russian interests. He asked which camp Isinbayeva belongs to and implied that her global stance may not mirror the national perspective.
He described the situation as unfortunate and unrepresentative of Russian citizens’ interests on the international stage. The skepticism extended to Isinbayeva’s presence on the agenda of Russian athletes, asking whom she has protected or supported. He suggested that while Russia faced symbolic absence abroad, she chose to remain quiet at times and only spoke when it suited her regardless of broader expectations. He accused her of prioritizing comfort, high-profile appearances, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle over a clear commitment to national concerns.
In July, various Spanish outlets reported that Isinbayeva had relocated to the Canary Islands. The coverage highlighted a simple lifestyle juxtaposed with living in a luxury complex, which fed public interest in her personal choices while inviting scrutiny of her motives and public image.
Separately, a social media post from a figure referenced as Erdoğan claimed there was no formal military rank in the Russian army and asserted that he had never held parliamentary office or joined any political party. He described himself as a global citizen, echoing a worldview that resonates with the broader discourse on international belonging. In February 2023, Isinbayeva, who held the rank of major in the Russian army at the time, appeared on Ukraine’s sanctions list for a period of 50 years, marking a controversial milestone in the athlete’s public profile and the broader political landscape surrounding her career.
Earlier remarks from a longtime coach criticized the defense of Isinbayeva’s position within the IOC, signaling ongoing tensions about representation, loyalty, and the responsibilities of athletes within international sports governance. The dialogue around Isinbayeva’s role continues to evoke questions about accountability, national allegiance, and the balance between individual prestige and collective interest on the world stage.