Olympic champion urged not to allow Russian athletes to the Games in Paris
Former World Heavyweight Champion and Atlanta Olympic Champion Vladimir Klichko addressed the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach with a call not to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the Olympics in Paris.
“Mr. Bach, you represent the universal values of tolerance and peace. You propose to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris.”
“I’ll tell you: the Russians are Olympic champions in crimes against civilians. They have a gold medal in the deportation of children and the rape of women. You cannot place the Olympic flag on these crimes because you will become an accomplice in this heinous war. Don’t do it or you will betray the Olympic spirit.”
“A country that has trampled on the basic principles of international law cannot receive legitimacy and support from an international sports body. Don’t make this monumental mistake. The world is watching you. History will judge you.”
Recall that the IOC is ready to consider the possibility of admitting athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competitions. At the same time, everyone who wishes will be required to act in a neutral status. Also, athletes should not support the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and pass a mandatory doping test.
The Olympic Summit, chaired by IOC President Thomas Bach, unanimously agreed to accept an initiative proposed by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part in its competitions.
The NOC of Ukraine will hold an online conference on February 3. During the meeting, the issue of a possible boycott by Ukraine of the 2024 Olympic Games will be discussed, to which representatives of the Russian Federation and Belarus under a neutral flag may be admitted.
Today russians have the gold medal in war crimes, deportation of children and rape of women. You can’t put your @Olympics emblem on these crimes dear Thomas Bach. @iocmedia #RoadToParis2024 #StopTheWar pic.twitter.com/v9ohDb13xe
— Klitschko (@Klitschko) January 30, 2023
Source: Sportarena
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