Athletistic/Gymnastics. Five-time world champion in rhythmic gymnastics Yana Batyrshina expressed disagreement with the statement of the President of the All-Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation (VFKhG) Irina Viner, who opposed the participation of Russian athletes in the Paris Olympic Games .

Russian and Belarusian athletes were admitted to the Games with neutral status, without the right to use their country’s flag and anthem. Wiener called the Russian athletes preparing to travel to Paris a “homeless” team.

“I don’t agree with her [Винер] notice. I believe athletes should participate. If the athlete, the coach and the federation are ready, if there is no ban, then we must go. If the state says the athlete makes the decision, then it should be that way. We’ve already had an Olympics without a flag or anthem, and everyone still knows it’s a Russian athlete, even though there’s no flag. Only those who can compete for medals should participate.

Our gymnasts are among the strongest, they could present a serious competition, but unfortunately they will not go. Every athlete’s dream is to participate in the Olympic Games and we train for that. I am categorically against those who participate in the Olympic Games being called traitors to the fatherland. They come to represent and glorify their country, and everyone understands that. A medal won in such difficult conditions will be even more valuable,” Batyrshina quotes RIA Novosti.

  • Choreographer Zheleznyakov appreciated Wiener’s words about the “homeless team” at the Paris Olympics



Athletistic