Head of the Russian Wrestling Federation (FSBR) Mikhail Mamiashvili told that Russian athletes, when deciding to participate in the Paris Olympic Games, will not care about their ambitions and money, but about their civic position.
Earlier on Friday, Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin said it was impossible to categorically boycott the Paris Olympics and force athletes who qualified there not to participate in the tournament. The minister also said that the ministry will prepare recommendations soon, but the decision on participation in the 2024 Games will be made by the athletes themselves.
— To respond to the current political situation, the IOC and several international federations have become a sort of political lever. I understand the minister and his tough position, it is unacceptable. I am convinced that the guys are calm before going to the Games. First you need to weigh everything, qualify as much as possible for the competition, and only then watch, because participation in the Olympic Games itself is a completely separate topic.
— Is the safety of Russians if someone goes to Paris one of the most important?
— A more important question: how to play without an anthem or flag. Neither ambitions, nor inner ego, nor economic incentives will play a role; the civic position and the question of the athlete’s morality will be brought to the forefront. Either you will have to accept it and enter the Olympic venue under such conditions of restrictions, or not go,” Mamiashvili told .
The IOC announced in December 2023 that it would grant Russian athletes successfully qualified for the 2024 Olympics individual neutral status without national symbols. On March 19, it was announced that Russian athletes would not be able to participate in the opening ceremony of the Games. The IOC also said that, according to the most likely scenario, 36 Russian athletes will participate in the 2024 Olympic Games and will have to sign a special document. Athletes’ compliance with the conditions for admission to neutral status will be determined by the commission.
The Summer Olympic Games will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
Source : MatchTV
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
