MOSCOW, July 18, Vasily Bogdanov. Honored coach of the USSR Tatyana Tarasova in conversation c called for help for two-time Olympic champion in figure skating Oleg Protopopov, who is required to leave his Swiss home in connection with the renovation of the building. Protopopov has lived in Switzerland since leaving the USSR in 1979, when he was on tour with his wife and partner Lyudmila Belousova with the Leningrad Ballet on Ice, asked for political asylum. Belousova died in 2017 at the age of 82. Protopopov turned 90 on July 16. «It's a pity that Oleg Alekseevich found himself in such a situation. I know that he lives with a person, he pays some very little money. He lives on a pension, just to pay for an apartment and eat. Of course, everyone, who is able to help, it is worth getting involved in solving this problem, including the federation. Although what can it do in Switzerland? Rent another apartment or help financially? Everyone can do a little, I'm all for it. Oleg Alekseevich is a great person! For me it was always a great joy to meet with him and Lyudmila when I trained the guys for the Olympic Games. We often saw each other at demonstration competitions, had lunch and dinner together. I hope that with our help his difficult situation will be resolved,» Tarasova said.
