Kolesnikov: “I would feel most uncomfortable at the Paris Olympics”

Double Olympic medalist Kliment Kolesnikov explained why he refused to participate in the 2024 Games in Paris.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced in late 2023 that it would allow Russian athletes who successfully qualified for the Olympics to have individual neutral status without a national flag, anthem or other symbol. The IOC also banned the participation of athletes associated with security forces or who have expressed support for the SVO. Kolesnikov and world record holder Evgenia Chikunova have previously said they refuse to compete in the Olympics under the current conditions.

— In Tokyo, there were two restrictions: Tchaikovsky instead of the anthem and the Olympic flag instead of the tricolor. Some conditions were negotiated, others were added, others were removed. In general, it is: no flag; no domestic composition, just a neutral melody; no relays, only individual disciplines; the medal does not count for the overall team event, but for a separate event; no communication with the press in the mixed zone.

In addition, specialists, massage therapists, coaches and we, athletes who are part of the security forces, cannot come to the Games. It is no secret that this practice is widespread in Russia – for example, I represent Dynamo. Therefore, few athletes decided to do it. I could not. Yes, I would be able to abstract myself and focus only on the result. However, as a person, I would feel as uncomfortable as possible, “Kolesnikov quotes Soviet Sport.

The Olympic Games in the French capital will take place from July 26 to August 11. All Russian athletes competed in neutral status.

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