Putin accuses IOC of distorting Olympic ideal.
Russian President Vladimir Putin accuses International Olympic Committee of politicizing sport
Russians are facing the likelihood of competing under a neutral flag in the upcoming Games in Paris due to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The IOC has yet to make a final decision but emphasizes that athletes should not be punished for their governments’ actions.
French President Emmanuel Macron firmly states that no Russian flag should fly at the Games.
During a forum in Russia’s far east, Putin was asked about the issue and responded by referencing the ideals of Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics.
“As for the Olympic movement itself, I would say this. I think that today’s leadership of international federations, the International Olympic Committee itself, they distort the original idea of Pierre de Coubertin – sport should be outside of politics,” he said.
“It should not divide, but unite people.”
Putin criticizes the commercialization of sport in the past decades, claiming that the Olympics have fallen into the trap of financial interests.
He believes that the Olympic movement is “degrading” and failing to fulfill its key functions. According to Putin, the Olympics should not only be about setting records but also about uniting people.
IOC President Thomas Bach has explicitly stated that the Olympics should stay out of politics to maintain its ability to bring people together.
Russia, like the Soviet Union before it, has always viewed the Olympics as an opportunity to showcase its global leadership. However, in recent years, Russian athletes have been forced to participate without their national flag and anthem due to doping scandals.
Ukraine has threatened to boycott the Paris Games if Russia and Belarus take part. However, its sports minister indicated in a July interview with Reuters that the threat could be dropped if athletes from those countries compete as neutrals.
(Writing by Mark TrevelyanEditing by Christian Radnedge)
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