Russia’s invasion of it 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 some Russian athletes clearly opposed the war.
Russian skiers backed Putin. Now they block comments and delete accounts
Therefore, considerable controversy was caused by the gesture made on Saturday by Yevgeny Klimov. The Russian jumper waved to the camera after both jumps and showed the glove with the Russian flag embroidered on it.
– 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 Sandro Pertile, the director of the Men’s World Cup, on Saturday after the conduct of Klimów Sport.pl.
Wiaczysław Barkow was also disgracefully remembered. A journalist from Norwegian NRK television picked up on Saturday from Russia and asked: “What is it like to compete in terms of what is happening in the world now?” The answer was surprising. “What’s going on now?” Barkov replied. “What’s going on? War,” replied the surprised reporter. The player pretended not to know what was going on, so the Norwegian pointed out that it was about the war in Ukraine. “There is a rescue operation in Ukraine?” Said the upset Russian. It was in this abusive manner that Vladimir Putin justified his invasion of our neighbors.
How did the players themselves react? – “Brave” athletes after unfavorable comments on Instagram regarding their support for Putin – Barkov deactivated his account, and Klimov removed all comments and disabled the possibility of adding new ones to those he does not follow – noted Paweł Borkowski from Skijumping.pl on Twitter.
Let us remind you that even before the start of the World Cup competition in Lahti organized by the FIS, fans started asking the organizers whether Russian athletes would be allowed to start in the face of the invasion of Ukraine and suggest that it would be an inappropriate action.
But there is no such ban yet, and according to the federation’s statement, it should not be expected in the near future. Who knows, maybe the activists’ thinking will change after such behavior by Russian athletes.
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.
