President of the All-Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation, Irina VinerIt announced that its athletes would no longer compete in international tournaments in a neutral manner. TASS Reports.
According to Viner, until recently, Russian athletes could only count on one place to win at the Games.
“What’s the point? There is no flag, no national anthem, no communications, no fans, but there is a special uniform and special music. It would be a shame if we went there. It would be very humiliating for Russia. Russian rhythmic gymnasts will play there.” “We will definitely not go there. We will not perform again without the flag and the Russian national anthem,” Viner said.
In July 2023, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) decided to accept Russian athletes into competitions in a neutral status.
It was clarified that Russian gymnasts will be able to participate in competitions held after January 1, 2024. To compete in the championships, athletes must submit an individual application and obtain approval from the International Gymnastics Federation. Athletes were required to wear light blue uniforms and use only white equipment while performing to music that should not indicate their nationality.
The Russian artistic gymnastics team also refused to participate in the tournament. On December 10, first team coach Valentina Rodionenko It announced that its athletes will not participate in the 2024 championship.
“We do not agree to participate in these tournaments until they change the requirements that they attribute to neutrality. These conditions are very frustrating for us. They came with a flag for us, and of course there is no flag and no anthem.” “There are a lot of humiliating demands,” said Valentina Rodionenko.
On December 17, two-time Olympic champion in swimming Yevgeny Rylov He announced his decision not to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
“I do not follow the lead of the IOC, I support clean sport. I made a balanced decision: I refuse to go to the Olympic Games until all this nonsense settles to the bottom and our waters become clean again,” Rylov said. .
Another Russian swimmer, two-time Olympic medalist and world record holder, Kliment Kolesnikov, has also refused to participate in the 2024 Games.