The Russian Fencing Federation president, Ilgar Mammedov, weighed in after remarks from Irina Viner, the head of the All-Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation, who stated that Russian gymnasts would not compete abroad without a flag and an anthem because that would be a stain on the sport. These comments appeared in the Sports Express coverage, shaping the public conversation around national representation and sporting identity.
Speaking from a perspective grounded in national pride and tradition, Mammedov asserted that Russia has its own values and customs and should not be judged by foreign standards. He argued that competing on the world stage should reflect the country’s strength rather than be mistaken for shame. The aim, according to his remarks, was to demonstrate results during a demanding year-long election cycle, noting that ten months had been lost and emphasizing that the opportunity to participate in the Olympics could not be squandered. While the language was emphatic, the underlying message centered on national sovereignty and the desire to showcase Russia’s sporting progress without compromising its core identity.
In 2022, amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the leadership of the International Olympic Committee began reassessing the participation of Russian athletes. IOC President Thomas Bach suggested that international federations might exclude Russian competitors, pending broader policy discussions. By January 25, 2023, the IOC indicated openness to allowing Russian athletes to compete under a neutral status, provided they did not support the SBO, aligning participation with political neutrality rather than national symbolism.
On December 8 of the following year, the IOC confirmed that Russian athletes could take part in the 2024 Olympic Games under neutral status. Initial reports had stated that eight Russian and three Belarusian athletes would receive quotas; however, the IOC later updated its figures. The organization’s official communications now indicated six Russian and five Belarusian athletes had earned slots for the Games. In the same update, the IOC reiterated that Russian and Belarusian flags, anthems, and symbols would not be displayed at the Games, and that officials from those countries would not be invited to attend as government representatives.
Earlier, Dmitry Guberniev had commented on Wiener’s position regarding participation without a flag and anthem, signaling a broader debate within Russian sports about national representation and the conditions under which athletes compete internationally. The evolving stance of the IOC and the responses from Russian sports officials collectively reflect a persistent tension between national identity and the pursuit of sporting excellence on the world stage. The conversation continues to influence policy decisions across different federations, shaping how athletes navigate neutrality rules, sponsorships, and public expectations while training for major international events.