Two-time Olympic swimming medalist Kliment Kolesnikov said in the program “There is a topic” on that the world record is now more important to him than a trip to the Olympics.
Kolesnikov is the world record holder in the 50 meter backstroke and a six-time short course world champion.
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 All-Russian Swimming Federation (RSF) has recognized the criteria for admitting Russians in neutral status to international competitions as unacceptable. Regarding possible participation in the 2024 Games, FSM President Vladimir Salnikov declared that “this page has been turned”.
— Our athletes are now “struck” by who liked where. Perhaps we should launch a big campaign to promote our position, claiming that the EU and the US are leading an unfair fight against our culture?
“I believe that those who want us to perform abroad and glorify the country should oppose it. Lawyers, civil servants. It is best for athletes to promote sports in the country. It is better to devote energy to it, to create competitions that will not be inferior to the Olympic Games. Promote sports to the masses in order to raise competitive children who can then show our strength on the international stage.
— Are you planning to watch the Olympics?
– Yes! I have guys from other countries with whom I have good relationships.
— Are they supportive?
– They misunderstand a lot. They have training camps and departures. My friend Ilya Shimanovich from Belarus went to the European Championships with the team. When they got there, they didn’t understand at all why we weren’t there. They don’t pay much attention to the situation. The athletes are just doing their job.
— With what feelings will you watch the Olympic Games? Will it swim?
– Yes! There are guys I want to watch. I want to satisfy my interest in sports. See if they will set records and see how their friends will perform. I’ll know where to go next. I will still understand that I am not there, that I could join the movement. But now I absolutely don’t care that I didn’t go. My attitude towards the Games has changed. I have my own goals now. For me, a world record now means more than a trip to the Olympics. In 2016, it would be sad for me not to go to the Games. Now everything is different.
— Will truth and justice break the blockade in the near future?
“I think it won’t take much time.” In 2028, we will be able to go to Los Angeles, I think. I can still go there. And my brother can do it. He will be able to participate in four more Olympic Games. It all depends on the weather. I don’t know how or what will happen, but I have high hopes,” Kolesnikov said on .
The Paris Summer Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11.
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Source : MatchTV
I’m John White and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. My specialty is covering sports news, which I’ve been doing for over 6 years now. During this time, I have worked as an author with Athletistic, a popular online news website focusing on sports topics.
