Russian choreographer blasts neutral flag at Olympics as disgrace
Read NV on Google
Russian figure skating choreographer Alexei Zheleznyakov expressed strong disapproval of Russian athletes competing under a neutral flag at the upcoming Paris Olympics, in an interview with Metaratings on April 25.
Zheleznyakov called Russian athletes who agree to compete at 2024 Games in a “neutral status” bums.
“I don't wear rose-colored glasses in this regard," Zheleznyakov stated. "We don't need any handouts, did we find ourselves in a dumpster or what? To perform without an anthem and flag is just humiliation."
His comments reflect a broader sentiment among some Russian sports figures who view competing without national symbols as a degradation of their national identity. Zheleznyakov further explained his viewpoint, suggesting that athletes who grew up and were trained in Russia, benefiting from the investment of their parents and coaches, should not settle for competing without their country’s symbols. "If you were born in Russia... and you go to play under a neutral flag, then you are a sport bum," he remarked.
The Paris Olympics are scheduled to run from July 26 to August 11. This debate comes after it was reported that a six-time Russian champion was expelled from the national team. Interestingly, Zheleznyakov hinted that Russia might have found an "alternative" to the Olympic Games, though details of what this entails were not disclosed in the interview.
The military war may be swinging in our favor, but the information war continues.
Just as an army needs soldiers, so does a free society need its journalists to ensure that people have access to honest, trustworthy voices to understand the world around them.
For the past five years, The New Voice of Ukraine has been working tirelessly to push back against Russian narratives and defend democracy. But we cannot do it alone.
Please consider supporting us on Patreon for just $5 a month – your donation does directly to supporting journalists and ensuring that this front of the infowar says solid and defended.
Thank you.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
