Double Olympic medalist in swimming Kliment Kolesnikov told that he did not believe in the possibility of Russian athletes taking part in the 2024 Games in Paris.
Russian athletes have been suspended from participating in competitions under the auspices of the International Swimming Federation (FINA) due to the situation in Ukraine.
– How did the coach survive your silver medal at the Olympics? I understand, the Games debut, the first medal, but…
“I know he was very worried. I know what he thinks about it. We have agreed to think about the Paris Olympics. But given the current circumstances, we now have other tasks, “said Kolesnikov told .
– Is it an underestimated psychological prognosis or a real assessment?
– Real. In life I am not pessimistic, I listen to the positive. But all these declarations from the international federations… In general, the forecasts are disappointing.
– What about Thomas Bach’s speech that it is important for countries at war to participate in the Olympic Games?
— It’s not just Bach who decides there. And even if we have good relations with FINA, Vladimir Valerievich (Salnikov, president of the All-Russian Swimming Federation – editor’s note) always contributes to it, it will not be a decisive factor either.
Source : MatchTV
