Swimmer Minakov on sanctions against Russian athletes: “These are double standards, but we have to adapt”

Medalist at the World Swimming Championships Andrei Minakov on , he spoke about the suspension of Russian athletes, emphasizing that he kept in mind a possible performance at the Paris Olympics.

At the end of March, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced recommendations for the admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions. These include individual admission, neutral status, banning participation in team sports, and banning participation of athletes associated with security forces or who have expressed support for the SVO.

—Are you thinking about the Olympic Games?

– Of course, this thought is still in my head, we will wait and see.

— Have you asked about colleagues who often install “fences”? Either a financial component or a political component, but simply invented? Isn’t that offensive as an athlete, knowing that in the United States no one looks at your passport?

– This is what we call “double standards”, it is very offensive and unpleasant to watch, but the reality is such that we must adapt.

— What are your creative plans for the next six months?

— I’m thinking of taking a sabbatical and dedicating myself to swimming for the next six months, so that I can come back in September and start my studies. We think about the program, with whom and where to train.

— Will you encounter any difficulties related to “academic” at university?

“There will be no difficulty, it’s normal practice for them.” During the Olympic year, the University Federation offers the opportunity to fully prepare for the Olympic Games and return to them a year later.

— When you finish your studies, will you stay or come back?

– I’ll be back.

– What will you do?

“Work for the good of the Fatherland,” Minakov said on the air of the show “Loud!”. on .

The 2024 Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11 in Paris. The IOC did not send the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) an invitation to the Games on the set date of July 26, 2023.