“I’ve never played in a neutral status, it’s hard for me to experience that from my own experience” – Ishchenko

Minister of Sports of the Kaliningrad region, five-time Olympic champion in synchronized swimming Natalia Ischenko in an interview with , she said that the participation of Russians in international competitions in a neutral status is a complex issue that requires a balanced decision.

Previously, the IOC’s executive committee had recommended international federations to allow Russians and Belarusians who did not support the special operation to participate in international competitions as neutral athletes. At the same time, the organization proposes not to allow athletes associated with the armed forces or security agencies to participate in the competition.

– What should we accept as a model of behavior regarding the participation of Russians in international competitions: a unique position of the country or the personal choice of each athlete?

I asked myself this question too, more than once. Finding a solution that works for everyone is not easy. The interests of fans, athletes, coaches, officials, ordinary people are affected…

I’ve never played in a neutral status, it’s hard for me to experience that from my own experience. On the one hand, we don’t have many individual sports represented in the Olympic programme. On the other hand, I want athletes to compete for a country that is involved in their training and growth. The decision will no doubt be made. I want it to be balanced and reasonable.

– Is the transition to Asia for Russian sport a way out?

– For species where competition is strong in Asia, it is possible. Otherwise, the transition will do nothing.