“They tried to break us, but it didn’t work out”: Golotsutskov on WADA statements, the Games in Tokyo and pressure on Russia

- How do you feel about the decision of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to exclude Russia from participating in major international competitions?

- Honestly, it was expected. Of course, I would not want to get into politics, because politicians have their own goals and objectives. But it’s a shame that the athletes who defend the honor of the country peacefully suffer. In fact, we are all pawns, but much remains on these pawns. It is a pity for the athletes who spent their time, energy and vitality in the hope of performing under their own flag. But despite the neutral status, the whole world will know that it is the Russians, because we are above this dirt. I hope our athletes get angry and perform three times better.

- Representatives of WADA claim that in this way they supposedly protect pure athletes. But is it really a defense if athletes who have never been featured in doping scandals are forced to prove their innocence?

“WADA can say anything.” We have an example of a world-class fighter, which, in principle, I really like, but also a lot of balabolit. I'm talking about Conor McGregor. There must be a presumption of innocence. Caught - means violated. Otherwise, how did they determine who is to blame and who is not? Everyone is on an equal footing; everyone passes the same sample. You must first allow, and then check. And so it turns out that everyone is rowed under one comb. Sport should be an honest and clean game, but so far it is not. But our athletes will show everyone Kuzkin’s mother, as Nikita Khrushchev once said. I will not take off my boot, but I think everyone understands what it is about.

• Golotsutskov criticized the decision of WADA

- Does the removal of the whole country really help in the fight against doping?

- Will not help. These are political games. They wanted to punish Russia, to infringe on something, but it is useless. We are not a three-year-old child. I think our politicians will find what to answer. Yes, some of them urge to completely abandon participation in the Olympics. But listen, I devoted my whole life to sports, preparing for the Games, so how not to go? We will defend the honor of the country under a neutral flag, speak and show our level. The whole world should know about this. I myself will go to Tokyo and will root for our athletes.

- Previously, other countries were caught in large doping schemes. Why is such a tough attitude manifested only in relation to Russia?

- I repeat, this is politics. I don’t know much about it, but I just don’t want the athletes who give their soul and heart to suffer, at least once to go to the Olympics and protect the honor of their country in the most peaceful way. Unfortunately, there are provocateurs who want to embroil people, to organize a riot. But they will not wait. We will only become stronger.

- How difficult is it to fly under a neutral flag when you have almost no support? What would you do in place of existing athletes?

- If I got into such a situation, it would be easy for me to speak, as the neutral flag will be painted with our tricolor. No one else will speak under it. They tried to break us, but it did not work out. All residents of Russia will be sick and support our athletes, rejoice in their victories even in this status.

- To date, WADA has not brought a single new charge against Russian athletes. How legitimate is the use of the so-called “double punishment” in this situation?

- It seems to me that it’s worth stopping to listen to them at all and trying to understand, since it’s simply impossible to understand what they are saying. You just need to continue to train and get ready for the competition.

- In the wake of the doping scandal during the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the Russians were subjected to incredible pressure from other athletes. Don't you think that the anti-Russian rhetoric of WADA creates an atmosphere of hatred at sports events?

- The crowd is always easier to stomp. It's like a pack of dogs: one yapping, the others picked up. No one wants to go one on one. On their part, it is very ugly. I do not even want to comment on these inhuman actions.

- Will the rivals of the Russians be in a better position?

- Perhaps this is so, but in everything it is necessary to look for advantages in everything. Can you imagine what expensive experience our athletes will now receive? They will become even stronger.

- What would you advise the Russian athletes in such a situation?

- I can’t say what I would feel, since I have never been in a similar situation. But I would like to contact all our athletes. We are with you, we support you, I’m sure that you all have the strength and patience. Together we are strong.

• Golotsutskov turned to Russian athletes