Swimmer Minakov said he would support Russians at the Olympics, playing in neutral status

Medalist at the World Swimming Championships Andrei Minakov told that each athlete has their own story, which influences the decision to compete in neutral status, and in any case, he will support those who participate in the Olympics.

Minakov himself refused to participate in the 2024 Games in Paris under the current admission conditions.

— The last two years have been difficult for you in terms of results. What helped you cope?

— The people who were nearby believed and supported no matter what. It was their support that helped during a difficult time. I didn’t have a single moment where I said to myself: that’s it, I’m done and I don’t want to continue. Although, of course, it was offensive and unpleasant, there was a sporting anger, a desire to prove that I was still moving.

— What do you think of your participation in the Olympic Games in neutral status?

“It seems to me that everyone has their own story, and we cannot compare here. Tennis players always play for themselves, while we fight, for example, for the Russian swimming team. I spoke about my position a long time ago, but if someone decides to go and they are my friends, I will always support them,” Minakov told .

On April 27 and 28, the Swim Wars competition will take place in Banja Luka, Bosnia. For many leaders of the Russian team, this is the first international competition abroad since 2022. On Saturday, Minakov won the tournament in the 200 meter butterfly, with a time of 2 minutes 2.04 seconds. Earlier at the Russian Championships in Kazan, he regained the title of national champion in the 100m with the same style.

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