An Olympic champion reflects on the absence of Russian athletes in the much-anticipated Paris Games.
During a recent event, Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Mariya Lasitskene expressed her disappointment at not defending her high jump title, as Team Russia is currently banned from competing. World Athletics has ruled that Russian track and field athletes cannot participate even as neutral competitors.
Lasitskene shared her pain, stating, “I can’t even bring myself to follow the athletics at these Olympic Games. It’s too painful. We should be there. The Olympics are a festival, the greatest event in the world.”
The Russian media has been vocal about its disdain for the upcoming Olympics, branding them with derogatory terms. Comments have emerged from various publications, depicting the Paris Games in a negative light.
One prominent Russian MP, Mariya Butina, weighed in, lamenting the politicization of the Olympics, which she claims detracts from their original purpose of promoting peace. However, her assertion clashes with the reality of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.
In Russia, public interest in the Olympics has significantly waned, with the Games not being aired on television, a first since the Soviet Union era. Only a handful of Russian athletes have managed to compete as “neutral athletes,” marking a stark contrast to the hundreds sent in past years.
Current restrictions prevent these athletes from representing their nation through flags or anthems, and strict vetting processes have been implemented to ensure no ties to the military or government exist.
Despite a rich Olympic history, Russians feel disconnected from the Games in Paris, as many cultural events take place in Moscow, reflecting a different spirit altogether.
At a recent sports festival organized by a nationalist group, a stark contrast was evident, with traditional games and military-themed activities overshadowing any connection to international sports.
As Lasitskene remains engaged in her local projects, she continues to yearn for the day when she can once again compete on the world stage, resonating the dreams of countless athletes who aspire to showcase their talents in international arenas.
