Three-time Olympic champion, State Duma deputy Irina Rodnina expressed her hope that the Russians would not have to stand next to the Ukrainians on the podium at the Winter Games in Beijing. This is how she reacted in an interview to Championship.com to the recommendations of the Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Vadim Gutsait.
“All the principles of Olympism are violated. Then it is better for them not to participate in the Olympic Games at all. There is nothing left but to remind yourself somehow, ”said Rodnina. She also added that she “doesn’t really want to comment on stupid things.”
Earlier on Monday, January 24, Gutzeit revealed the details of the briefing held for Ukrainians going to Beijing. “They should not stand side by side when athletes from Russia stand with a flag. For them not to be together. They should know this,” the official stressed.
On January 21, the Ministry of Sports of Ukraine recommended that athletes refuse to be interviewed in Russian. They were also banned from taking joint photos with the Russians. Games in Beijing will be held from 4 to 20 February.
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