The International Olympic Committee formally announced on Friday the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, “under a neutral banner.” This decision has caused a lot of controversy, especially among Ukrainian athletes.
Published on 09/12/2023 12:06. Reading time: 3 min.
Ukrainian swimmer Mykhailo Romanchuk spoke to Franceinfo, expressing his anger over the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the Olympics despite the conflicts in Ukraine. Romanchuk criticized the rehabilitation of the Russian athletes, stating that nearly 400 athletes died during the war in Ukraine. He mentioned the issue of neutral conditions for Russian athletes, saying that the majority of Russian athletes are associated with the army, which makes it impossible to guarantee their neutrality.
Despite his frustrations, Romanchuk continues to work as a swimmer and represent Ukraine, showing great resilience and commitment to his sport amidst challenging conditions. He also expressed admiration for the decision of the International Association of Athletics Federations to not allow the return of Russian athletes until the war is resolved. Romanchuk also commented on the tragic events in Ukraine and the impact on his training routine, stating that he is back in Ukraine to help rebuild and support his country.
