Oleksandr Usyk, the heavyweight champion, has expressed his opposition to the participation of Russian fighters in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. He delivered this message directly to the IOC President Thomas Bach through his social media account. Usyk made it clear that he does not support the idea of Russian fighters competing, even if they do so under a neutral banner, as suggested by some.
According to Usyk, any victories by Russian fighters would be tarnished by their country’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
“I am a Ukrainian athlete, I won an Olympic gold in boxing in 2012, I am the current world heavyweight champion and my name is Oleksandr Usyk.
“You want to allow Russian athletes to compete at the Olympics. Russian Armed Forces invaded our country and kill civilians. Russian army is killing Ukrainian athletes and coaches and destroying sports grounds as well as sports halls.
“The medals that Russian athletes are going to win are medals of blood, death and tears. Let me wish you to have peaceful sky above you and to be in good health and happy.”
The outcome of this situation is yet to be determined and we will keep you informed with any new developments as they become available.
View this post on Instagram
