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Russian athletes, coaches react to ICO decision on Rio 2016

July 24, 2016 at 17:09
Russian athletes and coaches rejoiced after the International Olympic Committee refused to impose a blanket ban on Team Russia from the Rio Games over the doping scandal and allowed individual sports federations to make decisions.

Yelena Isinbayeva, pole vault

Excluding the whole Russian team would’ve been a big mistake and IOC understood its scale. It would’ve been a global scandal, which it doesn't need.

Yelena Isinbayeva, pole vault © Dylan Martinez
Yelena Isinbayeva, pole vault © Dylan Martinez / Reuters

Dmitry Ushakov, trampoline

We were sitting in front of the TV for hours, waiting for this decision. International Gymnastics Federation wants to see Russia in Rio. We’re happy.

Dmitry Ushakov, trampoline © Ekaterina Chesnokova
Dmitry Ushakov, trampoline © Ekaterina Chesnokova / Sputnik

Irina Viner-Usmanova, head of the Russia’s Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation

A wise decision by IOC and its president Thomas Bach, a true athlete, Olympian and champion. He knows how it feels to train and then not compete.

Irina Viner-Usmanova, head of the Russia’s Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation © Maksim Bogodvid
Irina Viner-Usmanova, head of the Russia’s Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation © Maksim Bogodvid / Sputnik

Soslan Ramonov, free-style wrestling

It couldn’t have been any other way as there can be no Games without Russia. It would’ve been a farce if a different decision was made. I’m happy.

Soslan Ramonov, free-style wrestling © Alexander Vilf
Soslan Ramonov, free-style wrestling © Alexander Vilf / Sputnik

Alla Shishkina, synchronized swimming

I’m in such a stress now. I don’t know how it will affect us psychologically at the Games. But we never stopped our preparations, not even for a second.

Alla Shishkina, synchronized swimming © Maksim Bogodvid
Alla Shishkina, synchronized swimming © Maksim Bogodvid / Sputnik

Amina Zaripova, rhythmic gymnastics coach

We’re happy. Our girls are crying with joy. It’s all clean in our sports. We don’t use doping, never used it and never will.

Amina Zaripova, rhythmic gymnastics coach © Ekaterina Chesnokova
Amina Zaripova, rhythmic gymnastics coach © Ekaterina Chesnokova / Sputnik

atyana Pokrovskaya, synchronized swimming, head coach

Justice prevailed. It’s great that innocent athletes won’t be punished and take part in the Olympic Games after all.

Tatyana Pokrovskaya, synchronized swimming, head coach © Vladimir Trefilov
Tatyana Pokrovskaya, synchronized swimming, head coach © Vladimir Trefilov / Sputnik

Sofiya Velikaya, sabre fencing

I dream of gold. I only think about the top spot. Moreover I’d like to win two medals. There are chances to win both individual and team events.

Sofiya Velikaya, sabre fencing © Alexander Natruskin
Sofiya Velikaya, sabre fencing © Alexander Natruskin / Sputnik

 
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