2023-05-26 22:37:13
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May 26, 9:21 p.m
Russian Paralympic athlete suspended for supporting military operation
Three-time world paracycling champion Alexei Obydennov will not be able to compete in international competitions due to the fact that he supported the military operation in Ukraine on social networks. The decision was made by the International Cycling Union.
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Photo: Global Look Press
The International Cycling Union (UCI) has banned three-time world champion Paralympian Alexei Obydennov from participating in international competitions. About it “RIA Novosti” said the head coach of the Russian national track cycling team Sergey Kovpanets.
“Alexey Obydennov is not allowed to participate in international races,” Kovpanets said.
The UCI letter, obtained by the agency, indicates that Obydennov posted several messages on social networks that are regarded as support for the Russian military operation in Ukraine, including references to the “Z” symbol and the use of the phrase “Victory will be ours.”
On March 28, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes be admitted to international competitions under a neutral flag. These recommendations do not apply to athletes participating in team sports, as well as those athletes who actively support the military operation in Ukraine and are related to the armies of the two countries and other law enforcement agencies. The decision on the admission of athletes will be made by the international federations.
The UCI allows Russian athletes to participate in international competitions in a neutral status, provided that there are no contractual or other ties with the Russian army and support for hostilities in any form.
Obydennov, 47, is a three-time world champion in paracycling.
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