Z performance at the Luzhniki Stadium
Putin propaganda is becoming expensive for Olympic champions
03/24/2022, 3:45 p.m
As one of eight Russian sports stars, Yewegeni Rylov takes part in a rally by President Vladimir Putin. For the two-time swimming Olympic champion, this appearance has drastic consequences.
To celebrate the eighth anniversary of the annexation of Crimea, which the UN General Assembly condemned and refused, Russian President Vladimir Putin also wanted to adorn himself with some of his country’s most successful sports stars. Eight Russian stars appear at the propaganda show and raise many new questions.
Last week, Putin invited Yevegeny Rylov to Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium alongside cross-country superstar Alexander Bolschunov, who recently won three gold medals at the Beijing Winter Olympics. The 25-year-old swam to two gold, one silver and one bronze medal at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Eight times precious metal at world championships is also in his vita.
And Russia’s sporting flagships followed the calls of their ruler. As the newspaper “Novaya Gazeta” reported, Bolschunov, Rylov and six other top athletes appeared on a stage at the rally. Pictures circulating on social media show Rylow wearing his Olympic medals. According to the Reuters news agency, the swimmer’s jacket also featured the letter “Z”, a war symbol used by the Russian army in the current war of aggression against Ukraine.
For Rylov, participation in Putin’s propaganda show does not go unpunished. The swimwear manufacturer Speedo is no longer a sponsor of the back specialist. “Because of its participation in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Speedo has terminated the sponsorship contract with Yevegeny Rylov with immediate effect,” the company told the news channel CNN. “We condemn the war in Ukraine as clearly as possible and we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, our athletes and all team members affected by this conflict.”
Speedo added: “It is also part of this decision that we will forward outstanding sponsorship money to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.” The world swimming association FINA told CNN “deeply disappointed” by the reports about Rylovw’s participation in the rally in Moscow. “We are investigating the matter,” FINA said.