Paris Olympics: Oleksandr Usyk, the world heavyweight champion, has pleaded with the International Olympic Committee to forbid Russian competitors from competing in Paris next year under a neutral flag because any medals they get will be “medals of blood.”
Usyk’s remarks come as Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, made it clear that she does not want a Russian delegation to participate in next year’s Games while the conflict in Ukraine continues.
Usyk wrote: “I am a Ukrainian athlete; I won Olympic gold in boxing in 2012; I am the current world heavyweight champion and my name is Oleksandr Usyk. I am sending this message directly to IOC President Thomas Bach.
“You want Russian athletes to be able to participate in the Olympics.
“Our nation was invaded by Russian forces, who killed civilians. Ukrainian athletes, coaches, and sports facilities are being destroyed and killed by the Russian army.
“Russian athletes will take home medals that were earned through blood, death, and tears. Let me send you my best wishes for a calm sky, good health, and happiness.”
In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been collaborating with national Olympic committees and international sports federations to provide a mechanism for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in Paris as neutrals under stringent rules.
According to Hidalgo, “It is not conceivable to parade as if nothing had occurred, to have a delegation come to Paris, while the bombs continue to fall on Ukraine, as long as there is this war, this aggression (of) Russia on Ukraine.”
Hidalgo previously stated that she supported Russians taking part under a neutral banner, but she has since changed her mind.
According to her, “a neutral banner is a myth since occasionally athletes support opposing ideologies. They parade and compete while carrying the refugee flag.
“The decision they had made was to use the neutral banner, which was a subject of doping. That choice is not one I favour. That would be completely offensive to me.”
Hidalgo emphasised that she would not support the decision if the IOC authorised a Russian flag at the Games, saying, “I will speak before, because we still have some time before choosing.”
For boxing live score, boxing daily update, boxing match today, Paris Olympics, latest boxing news, boxing live news, boxing ring, boxing today live, boxing daily update today and other boxing news follow Livematchupdates.com.
