Olympic medalist in swimming Andrei Grechin believes that the decision of the world champion Yulia Efimova qualification for the Paris Olympics deserves respect.
Efimova, 32, will compete in the 100-meter breaststroke at the Bahamas Championships on June 23. This is his last chance to qualify for the Paris Games.
— Does Efimova’s decision to go all the way in the selection situation deserve respect?
“The fact that she continues to swim deserves respect.” This is a unique case. And the fact that she decided to qualify for the Olympics in such a situation is everyone’s personal choice. No one has the right to judge.
— If she wins, will you support her?
— I’m going to watch his performances. We were on the same team when I competed and I will be supporting her at the Olympics. She should qualify for the semi-finals, but the Olympic final is now a big question, even for her. As a person, I have a good relationship with Yulia.
For me, the conditions proposed by the IOC and World Aquatics would be unacceptable. It’s acceptable to her. But we also have athletes from other disciplines. It’s everyone’s business. Politics remains politics, but sporting life is an ephemeral affair. We cannot condemn her for her decision to participate in the Olympic Games.
— Isn’t it a shame that others won’t come to the Olympic Games? Isn’t it a shame, for example, for Zhenya Chikunova?
– Of course, I feel bad for all the guys who could have won and become winners. Again, it’s everyone’s choice. Julia made a different choice. Although, remembering how they [международные спортивные организации] They were mean and nasty, I wouldn’t go if I was her,” Grechin told .
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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.
