MOSCOW, Jul 31Figure skating coach Eteri Tutberide called it absurd to hold international competitions, update world rankings and distribute titles in the absence of Russian athletes. in international tournaments. In June, the ISU congress approved this decision, it will remain in effect until further notice. «World Championships, Grand Prix distribution, ranking updates, etc. All this is very, very upsetting. I understand a lot, but I do not accept the suspension of our athletes, children from international competitions. Of course, it’s easier to share medals and enjoy the little things, but where are the basic principles — fair play (fair play)? Or, as they explained to us, that this is caring for our athletes? «, Tutberdize wrote on Instagram (The activities of Meta (social networks Facebook and Instagram) are banned in Russia as extremist). «I believe that ratings should not be updated and titles should not be given out in our absence — this is absurd. I know that it is sport that erases borders and unites all athletes in the world. I think this a terrible mistake of a group of people who are in decision-making power. God help us all get out of this situation, «added the coach. Tutberidze prepared an Olympic champion during her coaching career Yulia Lipnitskaya, two-time world champion and Olympic silver medalist Evgenia Medvedeva, Olympic champion and world champion Alina Zagitova, Olympic champion and world champion Anna Shcherbakova, vice-champion of the Games Alexandra Trusova, European champion Alena Kostornaya, Olympic champion Kamila Valieva. In 2020, Tutberidze was recognized as the best coach by the ISU. At the end of February, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that international sports federations not allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in competitions due to the situation in Ukraine. A number of international federations excluded Russians and Belarusians from competitions under their auspices, and also canceled the competitions in Russia, other federations allowed athletes in a neutral status.
