Italian gymnastics club Gymnastic Romagna Team defended their decision to allow Russian gymnast Artur Dalalyon to continue competing for th...
Italian gymnastics club Gymnastic Romagna Team defended their decision to allow Russian gymnast Artur Dalalyon to continue competing for them despite major international sports organizations banning Russian athletes from competition for the foreseeable future in support of Ukraine.
Double Olympian and 2002 European floor champion Alona Kvasha of Ukraine blasted the Italian club on their Facebook page for allowing the Russian gymnast to compete.
"How in 2022. While the world witnesses the most horrible things that Russian soldiers do to Ukrainian innocent people by paring children girls and boys, women and men. Russian soldiers tortured civilians worse than in the second world war...," she wrote.
"And still, after all of that we see how your club invite a Russian gymnast to compete for you??? Do you have a heart?"
To which the Italian club responded with "we are involve in sports and not in politics, we know this guy, we cannot blame all russians for the action of a fool. Sport must go where politics does not. Thanks for your point of view. Have a good day."
The Ukrainian gymnast did not hold back on the club's response.
"unfortunately many Russian gymnast more involved in to politics then any others athletes in the world and showing support of them it’s the same as showing support of the war! Shame on you!"
"The entire world is showing support and solidarity for Ukraine except you!"
"That’s why they all applying sanctions against the Russian government/ athletes…etc..."
"so all those people who suffer from the sanctions at least protest against the war for peace!"
"Ukrainian people and athletes also didn’t want this war but they have to defend their country and the people! Russian athletes support their government and support the war!"
"Do you wish me to provide you with evidence of their support???"
The Gymnastic Romagna Team has not responded to the gymnast's replies.
Few days ago, Ukrainian gymnast Illia Kovtun withdrew from Italy's Serie A as Russian gymnast Artur Dalaloyan, who has a contract with Italian Gymnastic Romagna Team, was set to compete there.
Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, including judges, have been banned from taking part in FIG competitions or FIG-sanctioned competitions from 7 March 2022 until further notice in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Photo: Dalaloyan/Instagram
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