Anna Rizatdinova appeal

2016 Olympic bronze medallist in rhythmic gymnastics is appealing for the boycott of Russian sports and in particular the gymnasts; she asks us to support Ukrainian gymnasts loudly, wherever we can, and emphasises that not one of the Russian gymnasts has spoken out in their support.

The effect that the War is having on Ukrainian sport, athletes and their families is undeniably a compelling reason to maintain the ban on Russian athletes.  Oleg Vernaiev, who seems to be continuing to train whilst also defending his home country, has referred to over 110 athletes and coaches who have died in the hostilities so far.  3,000 athletes and coaches are actively defending Ukraine, and over 1,000 are contributing to the volunteer defence effort.  It is a very long time since Oleg could train in his home gym in Donetsk, which has been destroyed.  Places like Kherson, Odessa, Kharkiv and Kiev all possess gymnastics heritage from both the Soviet and modern era.  The gymnasts were like family; now they are torn apart.

This war is so unnecessary, and it is heartbreaking to see how it has destroyed Ukrainian culture, including sport.  Gymnasts like Lilia Podkopayeva, Stella Zakharova, Rustam Sharipov, Oleg Vernaiev, Angelina Kysla-Radivilova and Igor Radivilov have all spoken out.  It is hard to see how Russian and Ukrainian gymnasts will ever be able to compete alongside in future.  I remember shows of unity in the past; those days have sadly passed, the atmosphere of brotherhood and friendship now distant.

Russian residents and those overseas with relatives in Russia must find it impossible to speak out without risking abuse from the Russian authorities; we are far away from understanding what the pressures are.  Sports Federations have not only the worry of toeing the line with the Russian government and media, but also trying to maintain relationships internationally.  It’s an impossible balance made all the more difficult when characters like Irina Viner make unrealistic demands on the FIG - eg expecting that world rankings remain unchanged during the boycott, eg - which seems a despicable thing to ask for and incredibly insensitive and out of proportion when so many have lost the families, homes and lives.

I don’t see this situation being resolved for a very long time.  I don’t think there will be any gymnasts at the Paris Olympics.   The emotional upper hand remains with Ukraine, and quite rightly so.  Diplomatically, I can understand the argument against the boycott.  But peace seems so far off, and there is only one aggressor - Russia, so powerful and utterly ruthless.

Listen to Rizatdinova’s appeal on Instagram - swipe to hear her speak in English.  If we can help matters by supporting the Ukrainian gymnasts vocally and on social media, then we should do so.  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgw71cFNdqv/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=