Wiener said that the gymnasts told her that they did not want to compete at the Olympics without a flag.
The head of the All-Russian Federation of Rhythmic Gymnastics, Irina Viner, revealed the reaction of her athletes to Russia’s admission to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris in a neutral status. Her words are quoted by Match TV.
The coach said that the Russians immediately refused to participate in the competition. “They even said this: “Under a white rag, Irina Aleksandrovna, we will not perform. We are used to the fact that at competitions the stands are full of our fans and everyone is chanting: ‘Russia,’” said Wiener.
Earlier, Viner explained the decision of sisters Dina and Arina Averin to end their sports career. According to her, the Russians did not want to perform under a neutral white flag and without the national anthem.
In December 2023, the IOC decided to admit Russians and Belarusians to the Olympics in Paris. They will be able to take part in the tournament as individual neutral athletes. At the same time, athletes who support a special operation in Ukraine, or who have connections with the armed forces or security agencies of Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to participate in the 2024 Games. In addition, representatives of team sports will miss the tournament.
Source: Lenta
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