“I don’t understand why we are not competing. When they will allow us to compete again? We need specific dates.” Tarasova and Zhulin on upcoming ISU council
Alexander Zhulin and Tatiana Tarasova commented on the talks that ISU may allow Belarusian athletes to participate in competitions.
source: RSport / RSport / TASS
The International Skating Union (ISU) may allow Belarusian athletes to participate in competitions under its jurisdiction.
According to information from “R-Sport,” several members of the International Skating Union (ISU) advocate for the inclusion of Belarusian athletes in international tournaments. However, Russian athletes do not have similar support within the organization.
The ISU Council will meet in Lausanne from October 6th to 8th to discuss the issue of the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to competitions.
According to sources, supporters of allowing Belarusian athletes to compete explain their position by pointing out that there are currently no Belarusian military personnel in Ukraine.
Additionally, the decision of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to allow Belarusian football clubs and the national team to participate in matches at neutral stadiums is also being taken into account.
Alexander Zhulin commented on the possible admission of Belarusian athletes by ISU.
“If they allow Belarusians to compete, that’s good. In this case, it’s clear that they will feel comfortable without Russians because Belarusians cannot compete at the same level, while Russians create that competition, win, and earn medals. Belarusians do not interfere with anyone. It’s all politicized; what more is there to say?” said Alexander Zhulin
Tatiana Tarasova expressed her lack of understanding as to why politics has intervened in sports.
“I can’t guess how the council will end, especially with such people. I would like to hear from the ISU when they will allow us to compete again. Did they suspend us for life or until the end of the special military operation? We need specific dates. And if athletes are allowed to compete, how many athletes will be allowed in each discipline? I don’t understand why we are not competing and why the political question has intruded into our sports life,” said the Honored Coach of the USSR in figure skating.
Related topics: Alexander Zhulin, ISU, Tatiana Tarasova
I love Russian skaters but I think it’s absolutely right that they are banned. Yes, individual skaters like Anna Shcherbakova made a point to distance themselves from their political leadership and not even be photographed with them. But generally Sports in Russia is used as a means to show national dominance and patriotism. Skaters like Kamila Valieva, Victoria Sinitsina, Nikita Katsalapov, Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov furthermore showed up as special guest at a rally to support the war and wore the Z Symbol (among other Russian Sports stsrd like the Averinas). This very much shows that Sports is very political in Russia. And therefore Russian athletes should remain banned. Even if it is at the expenses of outstanding Individuals like Shcherbakova that as individuals don’t deserve this.
No more russians in international sport, period. Let them do their drugs and compete against each other at home.
You are not competing because I don’t know, the unprecedented and unnecessarily WAR on Ukraine which stands for democracy equity and equality and to make poor sportsmanship, cheating again ( elevating scoring by your Russian judges and DOPING by your athletes) but don’t worry, your country would be competing without flag, pride, and representing your country, RUSSIA!!!