BEIJING, Jan 31 Ukrainian figure skater Ivan Shmuratko answered questions in English, given in Russian by Russian journalists after training at the Beijing Olympics. The Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Vadim Gutzeit, said earlier that Ukrainian athletes were advised not to stand next to the Russians during any events at the Olympic Games in order to avoid provocations. Earlier, a source said that Ukrainians were strongly advised to avoid joint photos with Russian athletes and not to give interviews in Russian. «At this Olympics, we only speak Ukrainian or English. It's great that the Ukrainian team will take part in the team tournament. We are glad to represent our country we will try to do our job as best as possible. Why do I speak English? As you know, I do everything to be here. I am an athlete, and all my work is on ice, «Shmuratko told reporters. «At the Olympic rink, I felt I feel good My first experience on the ice of the Olympics is great I am proud to represent Ukraine and Ukrainians in Beijing I am here to do my job, I will try to do it the best I can Do everything I can do for my country , is to focus on your performance as much as possible,» Shmuratko said.
