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Can Russian athletes take part in the next Paris Olympics? Opinions differ on this question. The IOC of the International Olympic Committee called for the reintegration of Russian athletes, provided they meet certain criteria. For example, the athletes must prove that they do not actively support the war.
While the IOC’s concession sparked international criticism, the head of the Russian Olympic Committee, Stanislav Pozdnyakov (49), sees himself resigning. Hardly any Russian athlete can meet the requirements of the IOC, he wrote on his Telegram channel. As a result, Russia appears to be taking matters into its own hands.
Russia wants to organize its own games.
Does Russia even need the Olympics?
This includes the two most populous countries in the world, China and India. Together with Russia, Brazil and South Africa, they are part of the Brics states. A fusion of emerging economies and the Western-style counterpart of the G7 countries. So what if these Brics games actually take place in Putin’s empire? Does Russia still need the Olympics?
“Oh yes, sure,” is the answer from Russia expert Sven Daniel Wolfe, a political geographer at the University of Zurich. “Russia pretends not to depend on the goodwill of the IOC. The truth is that if the government remains banned from the Olympics, it will be a catastrophe.” Because Russia has always used international sporting events to demonstrate power and strength, not only to other states, but also to its own people.
Sport as a propaganda weapon
Quality of life has not improved since Putin came to power 23 years ago, and many live in extreme poverty. With sporting successes, the government shows the impoverished people how successful and strong the nation is. “Because most Russians don’t feel Russia’s power and money in their hard day-to-day lives,” Wolfe explains.
The Russian connoisseur thinks the idea of a Russian Olympic parallel universe is madness. The joke of the Olympics is that the whole world is watching. The larger the audience, the greater the effect. “Russia can already organize its own event with China and India. But no one will care.”
“Don’t Buckle Now”
These competitions would also be unsatisfying for Russian athletes compared to Paris 2024. Wolfe can understand the athletes’ frustration. For most of them, a certain proximity to the regime is unavoidable because of the state sports funding program. So should we consider innocent Russian athletes?
No, says political geographer Wolfe firmly, comparing Russia to a spoiled child. “Russia is acting like a rebellious toddler who can’t get any more candy. So shout and shout it. Until someone gives in and says, well, here’s your Schöggeli.” Now is the time to stay strong. For Sven Daniel Wolfe, there is only one way for Russian athletes to compete internationally again. Russia must end the war. No more and not less.
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
