Ukrainian’s athletic stars castigate Russian athletes’ presence at Paris Olympics

Ukrainian athletes, including high-jump Olympic champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh, have expressed their passionate opposition to Russian athletes’ being included and allowed to compete at the Paris Olympics. Speaking at a press conference at Volia Space, the Ukrainian athletic superstar condemned the total silence of Russian participants included as “independents”, who have failed to speak out about their nation’s unprovoked war and ongoing aggression.  Questioning their inclusion Mahuchikh referred to them as “terrorists” complicit with the invasion.

“We know exactly where these athletes come from,” she told the assembled world media.  “They have not spoken a word against the war, nor have they advocated for peace. The Olympics are about peace, yet Russia continued its attacks on Ukrainian cities during the Games. How can we allow terrorists into a peace-driven competition?” she powerfully argued.

Meanwhile, in an interview given to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iryna Herashenko, who won an Olympic bronze medal in the same thrilling high-jump competition, admitted a cautious welcome to the absence of Russian and Belarusian athletes in track and field events. In particular she highlighted the support of the World Athletics president,  Sebastian Coe, who has in fact witnessed the dreadful impact of the Russian invasion personally.  The Russian aggression has led to the deaths and injury of scores of talented Ukrainian competitors, destroying their Olympic hopes along with their lives. 

“He visited us at the Ukrainian Championship in Lviv, as well as in Kyiv and Irpin. He saw the devastation caused by the Russians,” Herashchenko acknowledged.  “That is why there will be no Russians and Belarusians in track and field.”

Fencing Olympic champion, Olha Kharlan, also reiterated that Ukrainian athletes would not be accepting any handshakes with any so-called “neutral” athletes from Russia or with any connection with Russian; referring perhaps to those moving to different countries and representing other nations at the games. 

“If the International Federation insists on allowing athletes from the aggressor nation, they must understand that there will be no handshakes between Ukrainians and neutral athletes,” Kharlan informed her press audience.

Despite the tragedies of murdered athletes, as well as the difficult conditions Ukrainian competitors have had to train in, Ukraine will still be represented by 140 incredible athletes at these Paris Olympics in 2024.  The hardships and complications they have faced in preparation means that the world admires their presence and is delighted by their successes.

A recent report by Global Rights Compliance, a group of international law experts, indicated that over two-thirds of Russian and more than a third of Belarusian athletes permitted by the International Olympic Committee have breached participatory principles by supporting Russian aggression and collaborating with its military and security forces.