FIM Cross Country World Champion Anastasia Nifontova in a conversation with a correspondent, she said that it makes sense for Russian runners and other athletes to compete under the flags of other countries – if they win, everyone will understand which country actually represents a such athlete.
Earlier, reports emerged that to be admitted to the Dakar rally, riders must sign a statement condemning the Russian special operation in Ukraine.
On September 14, Russian navigator Konstantin Zhiltsov told he would receive a second passport to compete in the Dakar, but declined to name the country. As it became known to , Zhiltsov will perform under an Israeli license.
— Are you planning to participate in the Dakar rally in 2023, or will you miss it because of the obstacles that the FIA puts in front of the Russian riders?
– We did not intend to, because it takes a substantial budget to participate in the car race. But even if everything was in order with the finances, I think it would be difficult to participate because of the current situation. In the spring when we went to stage in the United Arab Emirates, we were told that they would only allow us to participate in the race if we signed a letter. We read this letter and understood that we would not sign such a thing. So far there have been no new contributions from the FIA, so if nothing changes it is unlikely that our participation will be possible.
There is very little time left before registering for the race. Is there any hope that avocados can still turn the tide?
“I would like to be optimistic, but so far everything is very muffled and dark. If one of our pilots manages to make it happen, that will be great. As for our teams – KAMAZ-master or the Belarusian MAZ, which I also consider mine, they are unlikely to be allowed. This is my pessimistic view – while the gap at the end of the tunnel is not visible.
– Now some Russian athletes are changing sport citizenship in order to compete. What do you think about it?
There are two sides to this situation. On the one hand, if you are Russian, it is wrong to play for another country. On the other hand, without speaking, the serious sportsmen give the first places to those who, with the participation of the Russians, would not claim them. From a sporting point of view, we, runners and other Russian athletes, must go and show our best and take the places that are due to them. We have always assumed that sport should be outside of politics… It is absurd that now sport is involved in all this. I believe our people should go fight for medals, don’t give them top spots on a silver platter.
– That is, if our athlete conditionally has a flag of Tajikistan or Kyrgyzstan, is it okay?
– Yes, they still know where this athlete really comes from. Let our people win the Dakar, although under another flag, we know they are Russians.
I don’t blame the other riders, but for me personally changing nationality is unacceptable, I won’t do it.
Source : MatchTV
