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The Olympic gold medalist has launched a petition to reverse the ban on nationwide symbols in Beijing
Famend Russian determine skater Alexei Yagudin has added his weight to the controversy surrounding his nation’s nationwide symbols within the sporting area, calling for an finish to a ban which is able to proceed in the course of the upcoming Video games in China.
Lower than per week earlier than the opening ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Video games, Olympic gold medalist Yagudin has launched an internet petition urging followers to “tilt the stability in favor of justice” and take a step in the direction of restoring Russia’s nationwide symbols on the world’s largest winter sports activities spectacle.
Russia won’t be able to make use of its identify, flag or anthem on the upcoming Olympics after a ruling by the Courtroom of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in 2019, which halved the four-year ban initially proposed by the World Anti-Doping Company (WADA) over alleged doping violations.
Russian athletes are allowed to compete on the largest sports activities occasions, together with the World Championships and Olympic Video games, if they aren’t banned for doping or suspected of offenses.
In Tokyo, Russian rivals represented the Russian Olympic Committee, utilizing the acronym ROC as an alternative of their nation’s identify.
Yagudin, who received the boys’s determine skating occasion on the 2002 Video games in Salt Lake Metropolis, known as the WADA-imposed restrictions “completely unfair” and requested his social media followers to not stay detached in the direction of the ban.
“Being in contact with our crew members, I understand how intensively and arduously they’ve been getting ready for this occasion,” he mentioned. “Their unbelievable laborious work evokes nothing however deep respect.
“It’s not a secret that a lot time has handed since my very own Olympic efficiency however I nonetheless clearly keep in mind these wonderful moments of true happiness: when the nationwide flag is raised and the nationwide anthem is performed in your honor when you obtain the coveted Olympic gold medal – the principle prize of all the sporting profession. I sincerely want our athletes may additionally really feel these moments.
“That’s why it’s completely unfair that our crew will once more compete with out a flag. WADA imposed one other set of sanctions in 2019 prohibiting our athletes from utilizing the nationwide symbols.
“So I made a decision to launch a petition which might be signed by anybody who helps our sport. For my part, each honest step can change the state of affairs and tilt the stability in favor of justice.”
The four-time world champion expressed hope that the petition may affect WADA’s place on the flag-banning rule.
“Even when it’s not observed by WADA, this petition will likely be seen by many who fear about Russia’s destiny on the worldwide stage. I personally, like hundreds of thousands of Russian followers, will proceed to help Russia and Russian athletes no matter what flag, anthem, and coat of arms they’ll compete beneath.
“I’m positive that each phrase in help of our crew, each transfer, each step will carry us near justice.
“I’m completely positive that all the pieces will change quickly. However it may occur solely on situation that we’ll not stay detached. I do know, nothing passes with out a hint. We’ll win.”
The Winter Olympics in Beijing will run from February 4-20. Russian athletes will compete beneath a impartial flag, with Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 being performed in medal ceremonies as an alternative of the nationwide anthem.
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