KAZAN, July 19, Adela Ziatdinova. Olympic champion in speed skating Sports State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova said that allowing Ukrainian athletes not to welcome Russians at the Olympics in Paris could lead to the desire of other countries, among which there are conflicts, to similar behavior.
On Friday, the President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Ukraine, Vadim Gutzeit, said on a national telethon that Ukrainian athletes were allowed not to welcome Russian athletes at the Olympics in Paris.
“»They do not consider this unsportsmanlike behavior, unfortunately. I think these are such agreements with the IOC that in response they will not boycott or write any protests at the Olympics. Still, the Russians and Belarusians, at least and in small quantities, but they were allowed to participate,” Zhurova said.
«This may be a Pandora's box, because there are other countries that may not want to shake hands and greet other athletes. If earlier this was unacceptable, even if there was a conflict, now other countries may request such a requirement. I'm afraid it just won’t end like that, some can do it, but others can’t. There are Israel and Palestine, as well as Armenia and Azerbaijan. There are other conflicts between nations,” Zhurova noted.
The Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11.
“The IOC, on the contrary, welcomed sport and peace, and the slogan was added “Together”. Why then are there no handshakes and greetings? I’m afraid this situation will develop on the part of other countries,” Zhurova clarified.