World record holder Chikunova officially announced that she will miss the Paris Olympics

Swimming world record holder Evgenia Chikunova announced that she would not participate in the Paris Olympic Games.

Earlier, All-Russian Swimming Federation President Vladimir Salnikov told that swimmers would miss the 2024 Games if the admission criteria did not change. Chikunova holds the world record in the 200 meter breaststroke.

—Will I go to the Olympics? No. And I will not receive neutral status.

— Do you want to turn off the TV?

– No, I’ll keep an eye on it. But I don’t consider myself a neutral athlete. In principle, I do not understand the IOC’s position. They set such conditions and think that everyone will immediately show up to perform in a neutral status? If anyone makes this trip, swims, runs, participates in the Games, I will encourage and support them. I will be happy if someone has come a long way to achieve their dream.

But I think the conditions in which we won’t even be in the medal rankings are extreme. In Tokyo I competed for the Russian Olympic Committee team, there was an affiliation, but now there will be none at all. It is a shame that the IOC imposes such conditions. Choice without choice. I think they understand that a small number of people will do this.

— What if Yulia Efimova made up her mind?

– I will support her. But, once again, I don’t see myself in the status of a neutral athlete. I’m 20 this year. I don’t intend to finish. I hope I still have the Olympics. I will perform in Russia, my records will count,” Chikunova told .

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced in December 2023 that it would allow Russian athletes who successfully qualified for the 2024 Olympics to have individual neutral status without a flag, anthem or other national symbol. The IOC also banned the participation of athletes associated with security forces or who have expressed support for the SVO.

The Paris Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11.