Many athletes from all over the world have commented on the situation in Ukraine, but few have openly supported Russian President Vladimir Putin in their speeches. The four-time Russian Russian medalist Yevgeny Plushenko stepped out of this series, emphasizing in his contribution on social networks that he wants peace, but at the same time he believes in his president. “Sports cannot be mixed with politics, athletes cannot be punished and deprived of the right to perform and compete. This is discrimination and a direct violation of the rights of athletes,” he said resolutely.
In addition to two gold and two silver Olympic medals, Plushenko also won six precious metals at the World Championships and another ten at the European Championships. It is therefore rightly one of the greatest legends of world figure skating in history. Perhaps that is why he decided that he needed to comment on the events of the last days, when Russian athletes were forbidden to take part in international events due to the war in Ukraine.
“I can’t keep quiet. As an athlete and every reasonable person, I share the view that sport is out of politics. But we don’t really see it: on Monday, FIFA and UEFA eliminated our teams from all competitions after the IOC called for the suspension of our athletes in all sports! The International Skating Union (ISU) today banned Russians from competing under its auspices. This is a big mistake!“The successful athlete did not take the napkins.
Plushenko considers the ban on Russian athletes to start to be discriminatory and said it was a gross violation of athletes’ rights. “Our skaters have proven to be the strongest in the world. The interest in figure skating will not be the same without our athletes. The sanctions imposed on Russia’s sports leaders are insufficient and politicized. If our athletes do not take part in international competitions, victories will be depreciated because the strongest in many sports will remain at home,“Clearly, a multiple figure skating medalist who thinks Olympic values are a thing of the past because of the bans.
A native of Solnecny, he also commented on the current situation in Ukraine, when he praised Vladimir Putin’s support. “Everyone wants peace. I want him too! I firmly hope that everything will end as soon as possible and that the negotiations will bear fruit. I believe in our president! I’m not a politician, I’m an athlete. And my goal is to connect people with a love of sports, to overcome political differences. I’m sure we can all handle this,“wrote Plushenko.
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