Alexander Zhulin: “Now, the Olympics have turned into some kind of political spectacle. It all started when Bach began targeting Valieva and Tutberidze.” and “Even if we’re not welcomed with enthusiasm – at least let us come back”

Alexander Zhulin criticized the politicization of sports, accusing IOC President Thomas Bach of targeting Kamila Valieva and Eteri Tutberidze during the 2022 Beijing Olympics

original source: RTVI

Alexander Zhulin expressed his disapproval of how the International Skating Union (ISU) and other global sports organizations have treated Russian athletes, citing specific incidents from the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. He accused IOC President Thomas Bach of unfairly attacking figure skater Kamila Valieva and her coach, Eteri Tutberidze. Here’s a translation of his comments.

“The ISU does not want us back. Because now, their life has finally gotten easier. Who would have thought that some Belgian skater would take a spot on the podium or win the European Championships… In the presence of Russians, she wouldn’t have even come close to the podium,” said Zhulin. “But now everything pleases them, and they’re satisfied.”

Reflecting on the broader changes in the Olympics, Zhulin lamented the politicization of what was once a unifying global event. “In the past, my favorite phrase was: ‘During the Olympics, even wars stopped.’ The Olympics brought everyone together; it was a symbol of peace. Now, the Olympics have turned into some kind of political spectacle. They’ve made sport entirely about politics.”

Zhulin attributed this shift to events in 2022. “It all started when Bach began targeting Valieva and Tutberidze. What right do you have? You’re the president of the IOC. And it all began with him.”

He also criticized Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, calling him a “terrible Russophobe.”

“I don’t see an end to this. And I don’t understand what conditions would need to arise for us to be welcomed back. Even if we’re not welcomed with enthusiasm – but at least let us come back,” Zhulin concluded in his interview with RTVI.

Related topics: Alexander Zhulin, Eteri Tutberidze, Kamila Valieva