Begun 10 days ago, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, carried out with the help of Belarus, is causing a worldwide outcry and Russia is increasingly isolated on the diplomatic, financial and sporting scene.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Monday recommended banning Russians and Belarusians from sports competitions until further notice, breaking with a long tradition of non-intervention in political debates.
"I respect this call," Tony Estanguet told AFP, currently in Beijing to attend the Paralympic Winter Games (March 4-13), support the France team there and prepare for the meeting there. of 2024.
"Because I know it's a decision that is far from easy for the world of sport, which traditionally tries to preserve athletes and keep them away from the consequences of political decisions as much as possible."
But he considers that an exception was necessary in the case of Ukraine.
"The world of sport, quite unanimously and collectively, wanted to react to this war," he said.
"I think it's good, in quotes, to see this world of sport able to get out of its usual positioning a little to, in exceptional circumstances, have an exceptional decision."
Ex-athlete himself, Tony Estanguet, three-time Olympic canoe champion, however said he understood the feelings of Russian and Belarusian athletes - including those excluded from the Beijing Paralympics.
"It's difficult (...) because we know some of these athletes. We know that they are not there for much in all this", he underlined.
"But it is, despite everything, a courageous, strong decision that must be respected. Because the world of sport must also contribute to this international momentum which aims to find all the solutions to restore peace."
Tony Estanguet, however, did not want to comment on the consequences, still unclear, that the IOC's appeal could have on the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"The war started 10 days ago," he said.
It's too early to plan for 2024."
© 2022 AFP