Vasyukova, Olympic champion: “In the conditions of isolation, Russian synchronized swimmers did not take a single step back. They believe in miracles and prepare 24 hours a day for the Games.”

Olympic synchronized swimming champion and host Olga Vasyukova said she was worried that Russian athletes would miss the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

— We have an incredibly strong synchronized swimming school in Russia. Under conditions of isolation, our team did not back down. I’m so worried about them. The Olympics are the most important start in life, an Olympic champion is forever, but you are told you won’t go.

If I already consider myself a mother, my six-year-old child swims 24 hours a day, suddenly he has a chance… This is our beautiful Zhenya Chikunova, Kliment Kolesnikov. People are breaking world records. Can you imagine them telling my child there is no need to go, you are without a flag or anthem. I’m sorry, what?

Our national team, led by Tatiana Nikolaevna Pokrovskaya, sits around the clock at the base and prepares. They believe that all of a sudden a miracle will happen and team sports will be allowed. I sincerely feel sorry for these people and athletes, because we have to go there, win and tear everyone apart, ”Vasyukova said on the air of the program “Everyone for the match! on the channel.

In February 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that sports federations not allow Russians and Belarusians to participate in international tournaments. Later, the recommendations were relaxed and in December 2023, IOC head Thomas Bach announced that the organization would allow Russian and Belarusian athletes who passed the selection process for the 2024 Summer Olympics into a status individual neutral. Athletes will be able to perform in Paris without a flag, anthem and other national symbols.

The Olympic Games will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11.

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