“There is still no one with whom to conduct a constructive dialogue” – IOC honorary member Popov on why he did not go to the Paris Olympics

Alexander Popov, four-time Olympic swimming champion and honorary member of the IOC, said in an interview with that he did not go to Paris, where the Olympic Games are taking place, because there is no Russian team there and there is no one to communicate with on this matter.

The Olympic Games in the French capital will take place from July 26 to August 11.

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 softened, and in December 2023, IOC chief Thomas Bach said that the organization would allow Russian and Belarusian athletes who had passed the selection process to the 2024 Summer Games in an individual neutral status. The athletes will be able to perform in Paris without a flag, anthem, and other national symbols.

— You are an honorary member of the IOC. Do they even listen to you during meetings?

— You must understand that honorary members of the IOC do not have the right to vote. We just attend meetings and sessions. But I did not go to Paris because our team does not exist. And what should I do there? So far, in my opinion, there is no one with whom to conduct a constructive dialogue, “Popov told .

Evgeny Somov, who will participate in the Games as a neutral, will compete in swimming in Paris from Russia.

The 2024 Olympic Games will end on August 11.

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