Olga Zaitseva – on the refusal of Russian wrestlers to participate in the Olympics: “If I were in their place, I would refuse too”

Double Olympic biathlon champion Olga Zaitseva told that she supports the decision of Russian wrestlers to refuse to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The Russian Wrestling Federation (FSBR) reported on Saturday that Russian wrestlers who received invitations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have refused to participate in the Olympic Games. The FSBR said it “does not accept the principle of non-sporting selection that guided the IOC in establishing the list of eligible athletes, the purpose of which is to undermine the principle of team unity.” Previously, Russian judokas refused to participate in the Paris Games.

— Do you support the athletes who qualified for the Olympics but ultimately refused to go to Paris? At first, judokas did that, today, it is wrestlers who do it.

– Difficult situation. The country’s leadership left this task to athletes and federations. Of course, it is difficult for them. I cannot speak for them – rightly or wrongly. I can only speak for myself: if I were in their place, I would also refuse.

— Even if you got permission?

– I think so. This is my upbringing. I do not agree with the conditions that must be accepted. For example, refusal to support the SVO. I support the SVO. I do not express it so actively on social networks, but I would not go there, because I am for the country, for the Fatherland.

“I had a situation where we were banned, where there was a doping scandal. We were going under the plinth. If athletes go there now, they should walk with their heads held high. They represent Russia, they must win and prove that they are the best,” Zaitseva told .

The games in Paris will take place from July 26 to August 11.

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