SOCHI, May 29, Andrey Simonenko. Olympic high jump champion Maria Lasitskene, commenting on the current suspension of Russian athletes from international starts, said that she had already been punished more than once for being born in Russia. Lasitskene on Sunday began the summer season by performing at the Russian team championship in Sochi. In March, Russian athletes, against the background of the events in Ukraine, were suspended from international tournaments even in a neutral status, in which they could compete since 2015 after the All-Russian Federation of Athletics (ARAF) was deprived of full membership in the International Athletics Association. «I do not follow international tournaments. Why is a simple question, but for me it is very difficult. Now is not the time to talk about resentment. Unfortunately, for so long I have already been punished more than once for being born in Russia. I understand what is happening, and I must to do something so as not to lose shape. I do it, I try, I do not despair, although it is very difficult. I have never had such a state as I have now, «Lasickene told reporters. «Athletes must fight to the end. I I will fight. Yes, and everyone, I think, should fight to the end, «added Lasitskene, answering the question of how long she would have the patience to continue her career without international starts in the current situation.
