“I can’t believe that all this is happening”: ISU banned Russian athletes from competing in international competitions

The International Skating Union has banned Russian athletes from participating in competitions held under its auspices.

This means that domestic figure skaters will not take part in the World Championships, which will be held at the end of March in Montpellier.

Earlier, other world sports organizations, following the relevant recommendation of the IOC, removed the Russians from international starts and postponed the planned tournaments from Russia.

The Russian Figure Skating Federation expressed extreme disappointment with the ISU verdict.

“We believe that this decision is discriminatory and grossly contradicts the basic principles of the international Olympic movement.

It is evidence that sport has fully become an instrument of politics and once again demonstrates double standards, inflicting the main blow on athletes, ”the official statement posted on the organization’s website says.

The FFKKR also stressed that they would "consider all possible options for action and take the necessary measures to preserve and protect the interests of our athletes and coaches."

Olympic speed skating champion Svetlana Zhurova stressed that the removal of the Russians is an element of political pressure and “has nothing to do with sports.”

In her opinion, Russian sports federations that are faced with discrimination can think about protecting their rights in the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“It is difficult to say whether it is worth getting involved in some kind of litigation.

In my opinion, this carries certain risks both for federations, which can simply be completely banned, and for individuals.

Although it is not clear to me how international organizations legally justify these very serious decisions.

In my opinion, it is dishonest to deprive athletes of the opportunity to perform at least in a neutral status, ”said the State Duma deputy RT.

According to her colleague in the legislative assembly, Dmitry Svishchev, this is terrible for the entire world of sports.

“If these guys in the IOC, the federations don’t come to their senses, it will be a disaster.

Tomorrow it will go to other countries.

If they treat Russia like this, imagine how these “comrades” will behave with small countries - they will bite them with one tooth, step over and not notice.

Russia is too tough for them, ”said the Match TV deputy.

He emphasized that the elimination of Russia from the world stage is beneficial only to weak federations and athletes who "rub their hands and think that now they will become world champions and Olympic champions."

“The ban on the participation of Russians, the strongest in many sports, will be an advantage for many, it will be like doping for them,” said the head of the Russian Curling Federation.

The famous coach Tatyana Tarasova is sure that she will lose the world championship without the participation of domestic skaters.

“Our athletes are the adornment of the World Championships and any figure skating competition,” the mentor said.

Her colleague Tamara Moskvina, in turn, made the ISU decision rather reservedly.

“Our federation is part of the International Skating Union, so we must obey their verdict.

Now we are reorganizing our training plans so that our athletes do not suffer from this situation.

We continue to work, ”said the renowned specialist in an interview with RT.

Two-time Olympic medalist in ice dancing Alexander Zhulin called the situation appalling.

“A big blow to all of us.

I read about football, hockey, figure skating.

There seems to be no end in sight to this.

We'll tighten our belts, we'll go on vacation to Sosnovy Bor.

We will strive to bring the Russian championship to the level of world teams.

It will be more interesting to watch Trusova, Valiev and Shcherbakov than all figure skating without Russian skaters, ”said the Olympic medalist.

Olympic champion Tatyana Navka suggested that all rivals of Russian figure skaters would be happy about their absence from the World Championships.

“I am very sorry that all this is happening: I feel sorry for the athletes, the children who are innocent in all politics, have nothing to do with this.

Now our athletes are banned from participating in the Paralympic Games.

It's just over the edge.

I can’t even believe what is happening in the world now, ”the Championship quotes Navka.