President of the Russian Luge Federation Natalia Garth expressed hope that the International Luge Federation (FIL) will soon allow Russian athletes to participate in international competitions.
In June, the congress of the International Luge Federation (FIL) extended the suspension of Russian athletes from participation in competitions under the auspices of the organization.
— We try to maintain relationships with international colleagues. But officially, it’s cold between us. Nevertheless, we continue to go to the annual convention and represent our country. This year, if we manage to obtain American visas, our representation will also be at the congress. But I think that the current attitude of the international federation towards us is not very correct. I tried to make the leaders of the international federation understand that sport is one of the only moments where we can improve relations, whatever happens on the political scene. We must show by example that sport unites people of all nationalities and religions. But apparently I couldn’t make them understand that.
I try to see things realistically. We really want to be admitted. We do everything for this. We accept the blows of fate, we understand that this is the situation of the world. We must work and not give up. We research new technologies for sleds, we train, our competitions and training camps are held at a high level. We really hope that the international federation will decide to allow us to participate in the competition.
Our conference takes place in June. Sometimes it was shifted to September. We hope there will be progress. But I don’t want to encourage myself, or the guys or those around me. Let’s see what happens. We hope that we will understand that we are not responsible for anything, that we are athletes and that we want to bring peace to this world,” reports correspondent Garth.
Source : MatchTV
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