Published on December 19, 2023
Gymnastics
220 days away from the Paris 2024 Games, Russian sports authorities are speaking out to suggest that the neutrality conditions imposed by the IOC could lead to a refusal of participation by athletes. The latest to speak out is the president of the Russian rhythmic gymnastics federation, Irina Viner. She explained to TASS: “We only got one spot to try to qualify for the Olympics. But in reality, why would we really need it? No flag, no anthem, no communication, no supporters to cheer us on… It would be a total shame if we went to Paris next year. The national rhythmic gymnastics team will certainly not participate. And we will never perform without the Russian flag and anthem again.” The statement is clear. But Irina Viner knows that the road to the Paris 2024 Games is already almost closed for Russian gymnasts. Earlier this month, the European Union of Gymnastics (UEG) decided to go against the position of the international body (FIG). It maintained the suspension of Russian athletes from its competitions, contrary to the FIG, whose executive committee voted last July for their reintegration.
Tags: gymnastics
