Athletistic / Figure skating. Japanese European figure skating champion Yuko Kawaguchi, who for many years competed for the Russian national team, believes that two-time Olympic pole vault champion Elena Isinbaeva should not have expressed her position in the ranks military.

“Elena should be grateful for conferring military ranks on her, because it is very important. When I arrived in your country, I had nothing, but it turned out that I became Honored Master of Sports of Russia . I didn’t understand what that meant, but now I know. Because I have such a title, they treat me better. I received a higher education diploma, although it was not a red, but they began to invite me to various events. It’s probably all because “My sporting merits. In Japan, such ranks don’t give you any advantage, just like the Japanese here. It is clear that now we are not talking about military ranks, but about sports ranks, but nevertheless.

“Perhaps Isinbayeva considers these titles symbolic, but it is better not to express such things in public. If in Russia it is honorable, then as a sign of respect it is better not to say what she said. But if you want a scandal, say what you want. And if If you want to calmly go about your business, then you need to set boundaries and know how to keep silent so as not to offend the feelings of others. All these ranks are they forcing him to live in “Russia? Does this deprive her of her freedom? In that sense, I can understand it. You should be proud of your military ranks, but she is an athlete who has never participated in hostilities,” Kawaguchi was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti Sport.

On July 17, Isinbayeva announced that in September 2023 she would return to her work in the athletes’ commission of the International Olympic Committee. After that, many Russian officials criticized her for her comments about her “nominal” rank of major, as well as her move to Spain.


@sportru