Three-time luge world champion Roman Repilov said he would not change his sporting citizenship and was already used to competing without the Russian flag.
On Monday, a press conference was held devoted to the big starts of the 2022/23 season in luge. In addition to Repilov, head coach of the Russian national luge team Sergei Chudinov, head coach of the Russian national team in naturban Andrey Knyr, 12-time World Cup winner in naturban Ekaterina Lavrentyeva, as well as Olympic Games silver and bronze medalist Tatyana Ivanova participated.
– I’m already used to playing without a flag, that doesn’t surprise me. I understand these people who change sports citizenship. Their task is to leave their name in history, but for me it is more important to leave a mention of my country. I’m from Dmitrov, and when I get on the podium, I’m happy to realize that. I am ready to compete under a neutral flag, because my name and surname have not been changed, in the minds of people, the change of flag has not changed anything. I will not change my citizenship, but I understand those who change it, ”reports the correspondent in the words of Repilov.
At the end of January, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that it would consider the possibility of admitting to international departures Russian and Belarusian athletes in a neutral status, who have not actively supported the CBO. IOC chief Thomas Bach admitted that the Russians could participate in the Summer Olympics in Paris in a neutral status.
Source : MatchTV

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