Rylov Reflects on Putin’s Role in Russian Sport and the Road to Paris 2024
Evgeny Rylov, a two-time Olympic swimming champion, has spoken about the influence of Russian President Vladimir Putin on sports within the country. His comments, reported by TASS, emphasize a belief that political support at the highest level helps drive participation and development across all levels of sport.
Rylov notes that the president’s attention to sports translates into tangible outcomes, with more citizens choosing to become involved in athletic activities each year. In discussing the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, he underscores that presidential backing holds particular significance as athletes prepare for a highly competitive global stage. Nevertheless, he also acknowledges that sport has its own independent value, recalling how swimming enabled him to reach notable heights and secure a respected position within society.
The swimmer’s career has not been without controversy. On April 22, 2022, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) suspended Rylov from all federation-sanctioned competitions for nine months after his participation in a rally concert held at Luzhniki. The suspension also coincided with a broader policy that bars all Russian and Belarusian swimmers from international events, even when those athletes compete as neutrals. This development marked a challenging chapter in Rylov’s journey and highlighted the ongoing impact of geopolitical tensions on international sport.
Despite these obstacles, Rylov remains a dominant force in the pool. He secured victories in the final races for both the 200-meter backstroke and the 100-meter backstroke at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, underscoring his continued excellence on the world stage and his enduring appeal to fans of the sport.
The record of recognition and responsibility surrounding awards linked to the Russian leadership has also entered the discourse. A former Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, acting on behalf of IOC President Thomas Bach, indicated that responsibility would be assumed for an award reportedly received from Putin. This statement illustrates how political and organizational leadership intersect with the outcomes and honors associated with high-profile athletes and events, shaping perceptions across the international sports community.