Alexander Zhulin: “Performing under a neutral status is unpleasant and disheartening. But figure skaters spend their whole lives dreaming of the Olympics. They couldn’t care less about what status they’ll compete under.”

Alexander Zhulin believes figure skaters are unbothered by competing under neutral status at the Olympics.

original source: Sport24

Alexander Zhulin reflects on the neutral status issue for Russian figure skaters and defends their desire to participate in the Olympics regardless of the circumstances. Here’s a translation of his comments.

Earlier, Sport-Express conducted a survey among 22 active Russian figure skaters, asking whether they would compete in international tournaments, including the Olympics, under a neutral status without the flag or anthem. Twenty athletes said “yes,” two were undecided, and none rejected the idea outright.

Commenting on the survey results, Zhulin said:

“Performing under a neutral status is, of course, unpleasant and disheartening. But we need to understand that figure skaters spend their whole lives dreaming of the Olympics. They couldn’t care less about what status they’ll compete under; what matters is that they get there.

On the other hand, there are everyday people who don’t think about figure skating during the ongoing special military operation. Their perspective is also understandable. What I don’t understand are those who criticize our athletes for their attitude toward the neutral status. As for my personal opinion, I’ll keep it to myself,” remarked Zhulin.

The Olympic qualification tournament will take place in Beijing this September, featuring Russian skaters Pyotr Gumennik and Adelia Petrosyan.

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