In Russia, disputes over the words of Ulyana Nigmatullina about the amount of prize money that she is entitled to in Udmurtia for Olympic awards do not subside.

The other day, the athlete, in an interview with Match TV, said that she was “a little ashamed” to publish this amount, since she received less than 900 thousand rubles for one medal.

Such a complaint basically did not find understanding either in the biathlon environment or among the fans - many condemned Ulyana for commercialism and ingratitude.

And the biathlete, who won bronze and silver in relay teams at the Beijing Olympics, tried to clarify her position.

Nigmatullina admitted that she understands why her words caused such a negative reaction: "A huge number of people live in a difficult financial situation."

But, according to the athlete, her job is to bring good results for the Udmurt and Russian sports.

She noted that she is trying her best, investing her time, finances and limiting herself in many ways.

The biathlete called her performance at the Olympics satisfactory, emphasizing that “everyone was happy and proud” of her results.

“I understand that someone was outraged by my answer to the question about the amount of prize money in the Udmurt Republic.

Not having all the information, many spoke out, including deputies, commentators, sports legends, veterans.

And I respect the opinions of indignant people and generally consider freedom of speech very important,” Ulyana wrote on social networks.

- Of course, both the Udmurt Republic and the SBR are investing in me (thank you), but more is needed for higher achievements.

This applies not only to me, but to the entire UR team.

The main starts of the planet would not have taken place without the support of the state.”

She also noted that she drew conclusions from what happened, and urged not to pay such close attention to the issue, which now, in her opinion, is insignificant compared to other events.

“I want people around me to live well, so that their work, rights and life are valued.

This situation showed me a lot, I don’t regret it, ”concluded Nigmatullina.

Commentator Dmitry Guberniev reacted to this post with lightning speed and sarcasm.

“Faster, more, more!

A biathlete Nigmatullina well done!

The main thing is more money, and victories will come.

We are not going to look for sponsors, we do not win at the World Cups, where there are decent prize money, but we need more money.

I think that Uliana needs to erect a monument in the center of Izhevsk.

Golden bust!

- the TV presenter wrote in his Telegram channel.

In turn, the president of the St. Petersburg Biathlon Federation, Dmitry Vasilyev, noted that this problem should not be taken unambiguously.

On the one hand, athletes want their work to be appreciated more than it is.

On the other hand, all regions have different opportunities.

“I think that Udmurtia appreciated the work of its athletes in the framework in which it can afford it.

It is difficult to say who is right and who is wrong.

I don't think I would take sides.

Like, as an athlete, I understand her.

On the other hand, the republic is doing everything it can do, not everyone has such financial opportunities, ”Sport-Express quotes the two-time Olympic champion.

And indeed, in a sense, the athlete can be understood: her prize money really turned out to be the lowest against the background of what other biathletes of the national team will receive in their regions.

So, in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug, 15 million rubles are allocated for the gold of the Beijing Games, 10 million for the second place, and 7 million for the third place. - 5 million each

These are the highest payments in the country, even in Moscow they are lower.

In the capital, the winners and prize-winners received 4 million, 2.5 million and 1.7 million rubles, respectively.

It should be noted that regional payments are in addition to federal ones (which at the Beijing Games amounted to 4 million, 2.5 million and 1.7 million rubles) and depend on the financial situation of the regions and republics, as well as on the goodwill of their leadership.

On the other hand, in many countries of the world, athletes do not receive prize money for Olympic medals at all, and some have to pay for their own training and trips to competitions on their own or using crowdfunding platforms.

Therefore, according to State Duma deputy Dmitry Svishchev, it is rather strange to complain about insufficient financial support in Russia, where some of the highest prize money in the world is set.

“It’s amazing for me to hear the words of our champion.

Maybe she meant something else.

There are countries where they pay nothing at all.

Olympians go to the Games, first of all, not for money, but to win.

This is the good will of our leaders, funds, which have the desire and opportunity to celebrate our champions.

For this they are very grateful.

I do not share the opinion of Nigmatullina.

Either we do not know all the nuances, or she is wrong.

Someone will be satisfied with 100 rubles, someone will not be satisfied even with 100 million, ”Championship” quotes Svishchev.

Nigmatullina was not supported by the two-time Olympic champion Anna Bogaliy, who stressed that the value of the Games awards is not in the prize money.

“Before, medals were not paid at all.

This is a slightly different price.

Then it depends on the region.

Everyone has different possibilities.

It is difficult for me to comment somehow, because I have other thoughts in my head regarding the performance at the Olympic Games.

I can say that in 2006 the city of Novosibirsk gave me a big TV set.

Then there was such an opportunity, you know.

This is how the region was able to celebrate the athlete.

I am against such statements - to ask for more, ”said Bogaliy.

Olga Zaitseva, who also became the champion of the Games twice, said that at one time she received prize money in Moscow comparable to Nigmatullina's bonus in Udmurtia.

According to her, an athlete should change the region if the financial component comes first for her.

“It’s a bad gesture to discuss that you were given little money.

Why is she taking this out?

It is necessary to understand among themselves or speak to the management, and not to endure the problem.

Let it work better and earn more.

That's not how it's done.

I believe that an athlete should be grateful.

You need to enjoy in life what is given to you in principle, ”Zaitseva concluded.

In turn, the former president of the Russian Biathlon Union, Vladimir Drachev, noted that Nigmatullina raised the difficult problem of financial inequality of the subjects of the Russian Federation.

According to him, there are richer regions and poorer regions that exist on government subsidies.

But the rights and opportunities of athletes competing for different regions should not differ.

“Poor regions know how to prepare children, but then they cannot finance the victories that their athletes have achieved.

This imbalance between regions must be unambiguously compensated so that athletes receive the same for the same achievements.

If the budget of Udmurtia cannot cope, then it is necessary to compensate the athletes for the prize money through sponsorship, through sports federations.

There should be no such disparity between regions.

Ulyana is well done for not being ashamed to talk about it.

And officials should be ashamed, ”summed up Drachev.