Olympic cross-country skiing champion Veronika Stepanova on the air of the program “There is a theme!” on said she had no intention of agreeing to the terms set out by the head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach to participate in international competitions, noting that they are not politically neutral.
Earlier, Bach said that the Russians, who walked away from the special operation in Ukraine, should be able to participate in international competitions in a neutral status. Previously, the KAMAZ-master racing team refused to participate in the Dakar rally marathon, because it decided not to sign the document offered by the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
– After hearing the news, I thought that money was winning again. Bach understands that suspending athletes for political reasons is a colossal injustice. But we live in the real world. 75% of the money the CIO receives comes from American companies. As long as the situation is such, what is there to change?
I will revise this questionnaire when American athletes are persuaded to sign a document condemning special operations in Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria. But I’m sure I won’t sign anyway.
As an athlete, I can say that the IOC President is not elected by open vote, there are specific financial interests behind him. As long as they are predominantly American, nothing can be changed. As long as countries can be excluded for political reasons, it is necessary to build a new system in which they will be impossible,” Stepanova said.
She also said that under the conditions of suspension of participation in the World Cup, she will perform at national competitions.
– Plans – participation in Russian competitions, a calendar has been prepared, Russian Cup stages, alternative competitions on the dates of the World Championships in Slovenia. Now we learn that they have problems with the organization of the competition. So even without us it will be bad for them, – said the skier.
Source : MatchTV
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