Wiener announced the refusal of Russian gymnasts to perform without the flag and anthem

The President of the All-Russian Federation of Rhythmic Gymnastics, Irina Viner, announced the refusal of representatives of the national team to perform at international tournaments without a flag and anthem. TASS reports this.

According to her, until recently Russia in rhythmic gymnastics could only claim one place at the Olympics. “But why is it needed? Without a flag, without an anthem, without communication, without fans, in a special uniform, to special music,” said Wiener.

She also called the possible performance of Russian athletes at the 2024 Games in a neutral status a disgrace. “Russian rhythmic gymnastics will definitely not go there, and we will never again perform without the flag and anthem of Russia,” added Wiener.

On December 8, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the admission of Russians and Belarusians to the Olympics in Paris. They will be able to take part in the tournament as individual neutral athletes. Six Russians and five Belarusians have currently qualified for the Games.

On December 1, the General Assembly of the European Gymnastics Union banned Russians and Belarusians from participating in tournaments. Athletes will not be able to take part in European competitions from January 1, 2024, contrary to a decision by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG).

Representatives of Russian rhythmic gymnastics at the 2020 Games in Tokyo performed in a neutral status. Athletes in two types of programs were unable to win gold medals: in the individual all-around, Dina Averina won silver, and in the group exercises, the second was the team made up of Anastasia Bliznyuk, Anastasia Maksimova, Anastasia Tatareva, Alisa Tishchenko and Angelina Shkatova.