Two-time Olympic biathlon champion Dmitry Vasiliyev spoke in an interview about Elena Isinbayeva potentially voicing the stance of Russian athletes within the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He noted that Isinbayeva’s recent win of a seat on the IOC Athletes Committee on September 5 elevates awareness of the challenges Russian competitors face when they are not eligible to take part in the 2024 Games.
Vasiliyev stressed that while Elena may not be able to change the current restrictions, her platform can clearly articulate the perspective of Russian athletes, a viewpoint that has largely remained unheard in international forums. He emphasized that the new representation could help international audiences understand the impact of eligibility rules on Russian competitors and the broader implications for sports diplomacy.
Earlier in July, media outlets in Spain reported that Elena Isinbayeva had relocated to the Canary Islands. The coverage described her daily life as modest while noting she resides in a luxury complex. These reports followed Isinbayeva’s ongoing public presence as a leading figure in track and field sports and her engagement with international sports governance.
Biathlete Daria Virolainen, who previously changed her citizenship, has also been involved in discussions surrounding the status and opportunities of Russian athletes amid recent governance debates and eligibility policies. Cited sources from DEA News and regional media have tracked these developments and offered context on how policy shifts affect athletes in Russia and their global participation prospects.