“Contradicts ideas of sport”: Ban for Olympic champions annoys the Kremlin

“Contradicts ideas of sport”
Ban on Olympic champions angers the Kremlin

Swimming Olympic champion Yevgeny Rylow shows up at a rally in the presence of Russian President Putin with the “Z” symbol, the world association blocks him for it. The reaction from the Kremlin follows quickly and is expected.

The world swimming association Fina has suspended the Russian Olympic champion Yevgeny Rylow from all competitions for nine months because of his participation in a pro-war rally. A statement said it had taken note of a disciplinary committee’s decision to ban Rylov for his presence and conduct at an event at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin also attended the event. Putin wants to meet with Olympic participants next Tuesday.

Rylov, 25, wore a “Z” in the national colors of Russia on his chest alongside his medals from Tokyo on stage. In view of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the letter has now become a nationalist symbol and is emblazoned on Russian military vehicles operating in Ukraine. His suspension began on Wednesday and applies to all international competitions. Rylow won gold in both the 100m and 200m backstroke at the Tokyo Olympics last year.

Sharp criticism of the ban came from Moscow. The action against Rylov is a continuation of the line of politicizing sport and harming international competitions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to the Interfax agency. “We believe that this is absolutely contrary to the ideas of sport. In the end, it harms the international associations, it harms international competitions if the strongest don’t have the opportunity to take part,” said Peskow. It is now important for athletes to keep training to stay in shape with the aim of being the best.

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