Balakhnichev: “Isinbaeva crosses out the main thing that is in a person – this is recognition of his homeland”

Down-the-line.com/Athletics. As part of Elena Isinbayeva’s statement on the nominal nature of military ranks at CSKA and in light of her move to permanent residence in Spain, former All-Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) President Valentin Balakhnichev considered her future work in the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Balakhnichev noted that IOC membership is individual and each athlete decides for himself whether or not to represent the interests of his country. At the same time, most IOC members, including Isinbayeva, contributed to Russian interests.

He expressed bewilderment at Isinbayeva’s moving speech and her recognition of herself as a “man of the world”. Balakhnichev noted that when drafted into the army or other armed forces, each person must take an oath, and breaking this oath is morally unpleasant. The same kind of statement crosses out the main thing that is in a person – this is recognition of his homeland.

Balakhnichev also noted that in modern society ambiguous statements are not always accepted with understanding, and such situations often provoke a reaction from society. He expects Isinbayeva to provide an explanation that could clarify the situation and satisfy Russian citizens, sports representatives and all those who respect her for her high level sports achievements.

Yelena Isinbayeva is double Olympic champion in 2004 and 2008 and quadruple world champion. During her career, she set 28 world records.

• The Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation criticized Isinbayeva