Ukrainian gymnast backs decision on boycotting competitions with Russians and Belarusians
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has been excluding athletes from aggressor states from competitions due to the ongoing full-scale war against Ukraine.
However, in March 2023, the International Olympic Committee issued revised recommendations regarding the participation of Russians and Belarusians, suggesting that athletes from these countries be permitted to compete under a neutral status.
FIG President Morinari Watanabe, who has expressed support for Ukraine, said he was ready to heed these recommendations.
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"I understand and support Ukraine's position politically," Watanabe stated.
“But sport is independent of politics. Sport should strive for peace even when governments and soldiers are at war. This is the mission of sport.”
However, Ukrainian gymnast Meleshchuk said she was shocked by the FIG's decision and said she backed a Ukrainian boycott of competitions.
"I've been thinking a lot about it, and I realize that it's hard to make the right decision," the gymnast told Suspilne Sport.
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“On the one hand, we are athletes. We have to fight, prove, win, because we prepare and work for this. And on the other hand, when there is a war in your country, I just can't imagine how it is possible to walk on the same carpet with these people, stand on the same podium, even greet and talk. When they march at parades with ‘Zs’ and support the war... I understand that this is impossible, and I believe that our government made the right decision. If there was such a situation in our sport, I would not have gone to compete with these athletes.”
Earlier, Olympian and MP Zhan Beleniuk said that Ukrainian athletes would watch the Olympics on TV.
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