It is necessary to organize alternative competitions if the Russians are not allowed to participate in the Paris Olympics, says world champion Pavlov

If Russian athletes are not allowed to participate in the Paris Olympics, it will be necessary to organize alternative competitions, Mikhail Pavlov, four-time world champion in boating, told .

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has not yet made a final decision on the possible admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes to the Paris Olympics, which will be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

– Are there any chances of performing at the Paris Olympics?

– There is always a chance, you have to go all the way. We’ll leave when the plane takes off and we’ll be there. We have to work and not bend over political issues. Politics is so changing – one thing today and another in half an hour. And we must be ready to come back at any time. We don’t read any propaganda against Russia, against our athletes. God willing, we will go to Paris and show our strength there. If they are not allowed, then it is necessary to organize alternative competitions. I think that in any case, we will not be deprived of international competitions next year. Look, now Moscow hosts the Goodwill Cup, in which the Belarusians also participate, and together with us they are one of the world leaders in rowing. The level of these competitions is very high. At the World Championships, we and the Belarusians would definitely have medals.

I watched the last world championship, race four. We have won this race two years in a row. And this time, without Russians and Belarusians, the competition fell. Yes, the winners hung gold medals around their necks, but if we had participated, it is not known whether they would have received these medals or not. I hope everything will be settled soon and the strongest will play with the strongest, like in the good old days,” Pavlov told .