Beijing Olympic ski triple crown Russian player deletes controversial “Soviet post” Norwegian federation also blames “very inappropriate”: J-CAST News[full text]

Alexander Bolshunov (Russia), who achieved three crowns in the Beijing Winter Olympics ski cross-country, has removed from Instagram a photo of skiing wearing what appears to be a representative uniform of the former Soviet Union era.

The photo posted by Borshnov was criticized by Eric Roste, president of the Norwegian Ski Association.

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  Borshnov (Photo: picture alliance / Afro)

“This is a kind of declaration of war”

Borshnov updated Instagram on March 7, 2022 as Russia invaded Ukraine. He posted a photo of skiing wearing what appears to be a representative uniform of the former Soviet Union era, and attached the message “CCCP (former Soviet Union abbreviation) 1980”.

According to the Norwegian media “VG” (WEB version), Chairman Roste expressed discomfort with the post, “I think it’s very inappropriate,” sociological anthropologist and writer Erica Fatland said. “This is a kind of declaration of war. He clearly shows his support for the war,” he said.

Meanwhile, Russian media “Sports Express” reported that former Olympic gold medalist Anfisa Reztsova said, “They are overreacting,” in response to Roste’s remarks.

Borshnov’s post was deleted by 11:00 on March 9th.

In the gymnastics world, the “Z” mark is rippled

As Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine continued, criticisms were gathered in the gymnastics world for Ivan Kleik (Russia), who participated in the event-specific World Cup held on the 5th, wearing a uniform with a “Z” mark. ..

Cleark won the bronze medal on the men’s parallel bars and appeared in a uniform with a “Z” mark on the chest at the awards ceremony. At the awards ceremony, he was awarded a medal alongside Ukraine’s Iria Koftun, who won the award.

The “Z” mark is said to mean victory in Russia, and it has been criticized for having a political message because it is drawn on the side of Russian tanks and military vehicles invading Ukraine. ..

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has pointed out that Kleak’s actions are “shocking actions” and announced on the official website on March 6 that he will ask the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation to start Kleak’s disciplinary action.