Russian high jump queen questions ‘hypocritical’ Olympic boss – RT Sport News

Tokyo 2020 high jump champion Mariya Lasitskene has accused International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach of hypocrisy, questioning why he is not standing up for the rights of athletes from all countries amid sweeping bans remain in place for Russian and Belarusian competitors.

Lasitskene, 29, published an open letter last month in which she accused Bach of missing out « Courage and Dignity » to lift the suspensions imposed on the Russians following an IOC recommendation at the end of February.

Bach claimed the IOC was forced to act because Russia allegedly violated the « Olympic Truce » by launching its military operation in Ukraine.

The IOC chief also claimed that the bans partly protected Russian and Belarusian athletes from the aggression they would be expected to face outside the country.

But Olympic gold medalist Lasitskene again questioned that stance in an interview with Match TV that aired this week.

“Bach’s comments are a bit hypocritical, they get what’s going on wrong. He says one thing, but in the end, the Russians do not participate in international competitions. declared the triple world champion.

« He’s a person who should protect the Olympic movement and protect athletes from all countries, but that’s not happening. »

An emotional Lasitskene said it was a « difficult topic » argue, arguing that « Sport should unite and inspire love, but it has become very difficult, much more difficult than it was. »

« I understand all sides, I’m a loving person, I can forgive anyone and anything…I can accept anything, but no one accepts our position. » said the high jump star.

Like dozens of his compatriots, Lasitskene finds himself sidelined from all international competitions after World Athletics announced a blanket ban on Russian athletes, preventing them from competing even under neutral status.

Despite the difficulties, Lasitskene said she still hopes to defend her Olympic title at the Paris Games in 2024.

« At the moment I want to compete, show results and keep fighting, » said the star.

After posting his scathing review of Bach in June, Lasitskene later revealed the Olympic chief didn’t take the time to give him an answer.

Meanwhile, the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) on Monday launched a stern attack on the IOC for what it sees as continued interference by Western politics and « anti-Russian hysteria » in sport.

The message came after Bach visited Kyiv on Sunday, meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and offering the IOC’s continued support.