The invasion has sparked many reactions in the sporting environment. So far, mostly positive: voices of support for Ukraine, appeals for help and a reaction from the world authorities that would help put pressure on the aggressor. Even Russian athletes clearly opposed the war.
Controversy around Yevgeny Klimov. This is what his gloves looked like during the World Cup competition in Lahti
That is why considerable controversy was caused by the gesture made by Evgeniy Klimov. The Russian waved to the camera after both jumps and showed the glove with the Russian flag embroidered on it.
Waving to the fans in front of the TV screens from the hill is a normal gesture and is made by virtually every competitor who ends his attempt, but if this is the flag of the invading country, it is hard not to see it as a political provocation.
Yevgeny Klimov (on the left after the first jump of the Saturday competition in Lahti, on the right after the second jump of the Saturday competition in Lahti) Screen Eurosport Player
Especially that the jumper has the flag of Russia still painted on one of the fingers of the glove, and on the other (white) side there is also the emblem of Russia. Even on Friday, during the individual competition, Klimov’s gloves were filled only with the logos of equipment manufacturers, or sponsors. The Russian changed them especially for the Saturday competition (although they were not completely new equipment, as we write about).
Yevgeny Klimov’s gloves (on the left in the Friday competition in Lahti, on the right in the Saturday competition in Lahti) Screen Eurosport Player
PŚ director: I will explain this matter with the player and the coach
On Saturday, the rules regarding the participation of Russian players in the World Cup competitions changed. The International Ski Federation () has decided that the Russians can compete and represent their country, but not show the Russian flag or play the Russian anthem at the decoration ceremony in the event of a podium or victory for the Russians. These are to be replaced by the FIS flag and anthem.
Klimov’s gesture, however, is a concrete attempt to display the Russian flag and coat of arms during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The case has already been submitted to the FIS. – We didn’t see it, but we just checked the full broadcast transcript. Tomorrow I will explain this matter with the player and coach of the Russian team – said the director of the Men’s World Cup, Sport.pl.
“Well it’s not ok, Mr. Yevgeny”
After the Russian Olympic Committee won the silver medal in a mix during the Beijing Olympics, information appeared in the Russian media that he had watched the competition on TV. The players were told about it by Dmitry Dubrowskij, president of the Russian federation. How did Yevgeny Klimov react to this? – Exactly as it was announced by President Dubrowskij. If Putin hears us, we send him great greetings – said Klimow, quoted by Paweł Borkowski from the portal skijumping.pl.
Cameras during the competition in Lahti caught Yevgeniy Klimov, who was waiting for his turn in the second round. The jumper showed a thumbs up before Mikhail Nazarov’s attempt. How did the Eurosport commentators react to this behavior of Klimov? – Well, it’s not ok, Mr. Yevgeny – we could hear during the broadcast.
The individual competition during the World Cup in Lahti is scheduled for 4:00 PM on Sunday. The qualifying session will take place an hour and a half earlier. Live coverage on Sport.pl and in the Sport.pl LIVE mobile application.
Source: Sport
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
