“When a leader is removed from office, everyone suffers. Not only do they enjoy it, they are drawn to it. Ishchenko – about synchronized swimming without Russia

Five-time Olympic champion Natalia Ishchenko told that world synchronized swimming was losing a lot without Russia.

Since 2000, the Russian synchronized swimming team has been invincible at the Olympic Games.

— How much does synchronized swimming lose in entertainment and importance without Russia?

— Russia has been a leader for 24 years. From what I understand, world synchronized swimming is losing a lot. Here’s a fact: not only do they like the leader, but other countries are also attracted to the leader. When a leader is removed from office, everyone suffers.

— Do you follow international departures?

– I will follow, of course. Right now I’m trying to understand the new rules, and as someone who has dedicated my life to this sport, it’s very difficult for me. It’s still very difficult for me to perceive this sport. In my opinion, synchronized swimming has really lost a lot. I think everyone sees it, including those who made the decisions,” Ishchenko told .

Among World Aquatics’ conditions for admitting neutral athletes is the absence of national symbols and active support of the CBO. Individual neutral athletes will only be allowed to compete in events where the time or result is determined by an athlete’s performance. Thus, Russians will not be able to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in synchronized swimming and water polo. Also earlier, World Aquatics introduced new rules for synchronized swimming.