Biathlon,
06 Apr, 10:39
French biathlete urged to allow the Russians to participate in the Olympics
Emilien Jacquelin believes that the participation of Russians and Belarusians in the Games in Paris “would show that the world of sports is united and above conflicts”
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(Photo: Jasmin Walter/Getty Images)
Two-time Olympic medalist, four-time biathlon world champion Frenchman Emilien Jacquelin said that without Russian and Belarusian athletes, the World Cup turned out to be less attractive and they should be admitted to the Olympics. Jacquelin’s words leads The team.
The International Biathlon Union (IBU) said on March 22 that the time had not yet come to lift sanctions on Russian and Belarusian athletes.
“I have spoken to several Russian athletes and I know that suspensions are very frustrating for them. They have nothing to do with the conflict. From a sporting point of view, I miss the Russians and Belarusians in the World Cup, without these two flagship nations, the competition has less appeal, ”said Jacquelin.
The Frenchman added that the participation of athletes from the two countries in the Games in Paris would be a good step and “would show that the world of sports is united and that we are above conflicts.”
The Russian national team called the suspension a mockery for the sake of “2.5 Ukrainians”
On March 28, the IOC recommended that Russians and Belarusians be allowed to compete in individual competitions in a neutral status, the final decision rests with the international federations.
At the same time, the Russian Olympic Committee called the IOC restrictions on the admission of athletes performing in team events, actively supporting the special operation or having contracts with the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, absolutely unacceptable.
Anna Satdinova.