State Duma deputy and Olympic champion in speed skating Svetlana Zhurova appreciated the call of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to abandon the flags of Russia and Belarus in the competition. Her words are quoted by NEWS.ru.
Zhurova called the goal of the IOC the refusal of the Russian team to participate in international tournaments. “That was originally their goal. And then they would say that life is easier for them. If we want an easy life for all sports organizations, then we can do it, but it will be a one-way slam of the door,” she said. However, according to the deputy, such a step would hurt the Russians.
Zhurova considered that Russia could not temporarily refuse to participate in international sports competitions to please its opponents. “How can they stop it? They can only recommend, but they must present their arguments. But for our part, we will also insist that this does not happen, ”she stressed.
Earlier on February 25, the IOC called on sports federations to cancel or reschedule competitions from Russia and Belarus. According to the statement of the organization, the countries violated the Olympic truce. The IOC does not plan any events on their territory and gives absolute priority to the safety of athletes. The executive committee of the organization also recommended that sports federations not fly flags and not include the anthems of Russia and Belarus in all competitions.
Source: Lenta
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