Russia is responding to the publication of the FIG criteria with some hostility. I picked up on the article below this morning; Championnat, the publisher, is part of an internet company that is half owned by Sberbank, and Sberbank are half owned by the Russian government. While on the one hand President Putin is saying that it's entirely athletes' own decisions whether to compete individually, we can see that Russian society is turning against the outside world, and will be aggressively anti individual participation in the Games. It will take a very brave individual athlete to apply for neutral participation next year.
The environment is becoming increasingly hostile for those who wish to apply to compete internationally. We are hearing that a gymnast (Maria Paseka) has been subjected to public derision because of her decision to coach in China (she has now returned) - since when was coaching overseas an act of national betrayal for a Russian coach? President Putin is literally rewriting Russian history, to try to increase Russia's patriotism annd xenophobia, and to ramp up the fear neighbouring countries have of the great bear.
So, along with the rigorous rules set out by the FIG, athletes will be strongly discouraged from applying to compete. It's sad, because young Russian athletes aren't responsible for the actions of their Government, and the Olympic movement - which is supposed to be a vehicle for world peace - is now being used by the West to leverage isolation of a dangerous world power. At the same time, many would argue that Russia has for years used sport for soft political power; I would argue that other countries do this, too, but the state is much closer to sport in Russia than it is in many other countries. Sports like gymnastics are set up to promote elite performance less than participation. For all that friendship ruled in the grand old days of the Soviet Union and the earlier days of the Russian Federation, we are now seeing that athletes have been used as little soldiers.
I feel sad, but Russia has abused its involvement in sport and the Olympics, first by the state-sponsored doping programme. I don't agree with the ban, nor do I disagree with it, except to the extent that it punishes individuals for the actions of their government and is helping Putin to spread anti-West hate and paranoia amongst the Russian population. Then again this was ever so. All we can do is hope for peace.
Read this bubbling piece, so full of hatred and anger. My guess is that it's a hugely emotional piece of language, written in colloquial patter, as the Google translate is poor.
‘Shouldn't you get on your knees? Gymnasts from Russia named criteria for admission to world competitions
The athletes will decide their fate themselves. But it is forbidden to meet them with honors and a reception in the Kremlin.
The International Gymnastics Federation, which decided back in July 2023 that Russians could return to international competitions from January 1, 2024, has published the admission criteria for our athletes. They are practically no different from those that were adopted in water sports. In gymnastics they went even further. Unless they asked you to get on your knees and endlessly ask for forgiveness. For what? For being from Russia?
Neutral status, a ban on the flag and anthem, no team competitions - this is already the standard for the participation of Russians in any competitions. A ban on any connection with law enforcement agencies, and no support from the SVO in any form. A ban on any clothing, even personal clothing, that has not been inspected by the international federation. And a bunch of other prohibitions, including even performing to music that is somehow associated with Russia.
What is even possible? It is possible to compete in a light blue uniform (with white elements when necessary) under a blue flag. But only if the international federation, or more precisely, a special commission, gives the go-ahead for neutral status. Which you first need to tearfully ask, fill out an application in English, pay with your own hands for the work of those who will study all your ins and outs, likes, letters and, probably, underwear.
But almost all of our gymnasts have officer ranks and serve either in the army or in the Russian Guard. This means that their path to any international competitions is simply closed. There is a clause in the list of criteria that if an athlete has a contract with law enforcement agencies, he is immediately denied neutral status.
On November 4, the leader of the Russian artistic gymnastics team, Nikita Nagorny, commenting on the performance in a neutral status, said in an interview with RIA Novosti Sport:
“Many people say that going without a flag, without an anthem is a betrayal of the Motherland. Such words also flew towards me. But, thank God, I know how it really is. I can’t judge athletes now. Their flag and dream were taken away. I'm sure that 90% of them will say that we need to go. Because the main question is where will you bring the medal. You will bring her home, and they will meet you on Red Square. I would like the athletes who devote their whole lives to sports to be left alone.”
And now we read the paragraph “Requirements for neutrality”:
– Individual neutral athletes and their support personnel must refrain from any activity or communication related to the national flag, anthem, flag, coat of arms or other symbols of the Russian Federation, the National Olympic Committee or the National Federation... in any official place or in the media (including interviews, social networks - retweets, reposts, etc.) before, during and after international sports competitions. This also applies to any national events related to their participation in competitions.
So there will be no receptions. Otherwise, the international federation will simply take away the medals if they are won.
Athletes, as Russian President Vladimir Putin said almost two months ago, must determine their own destiny. Whether or not to go to international competitions under such conditions is their decision. There is absolutely no need to condemn them for this. We are not their place to label or give advice.
But athletes should not convince themselves that “everyone knows where we are from, and then they will meet us on Red Square.” No guys. You are required to speak only for yourself. The medals are yours only. The criteria generally clearly state that all medals won by neutrals are excluded from the team competition. So make your choice. But waiting, and even more so demanding that everyone accept and approve your choice is overkill.’