Almost a year ago, on February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation illegally invaded the sovereign and independent country of Ukraine, and began a brutal and unprovoked war. To date, Russia has destroyed and decimated countless cities and purposefully targeted and viciously murdered tens of thousands of innocent people. Gravesites now cover the one once beautiful landscapes of what was a growing and thriving nation of a peaceful people. The genocide continues as Russian citizens are allowed to freely travel, leave their country and go about their daily lives with no concerns or guilt.
It is appalling and infuriating that the IOC is allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to complete in the upcoming Olympics under neutral and non-political banners. There are athletes among them that strongly support the genocide and war in Ukraine. As such, no athletes from these nations should have the opportunity or privilege to compete, especially at the Olympics, so long as the vicious war continues.
Sport is anything but neutral and filled with more politics than anyone will admit. Every athlete is an ambassador and representative of their country; therefore, every win and high medal count is a boost to national pride and prestige for their people and country. Successful athletes are seen as heroes and looked upon with great honor and respect. Every country uses its Olympic champions to their advantage to promote their political interests and goals. These Olympic champions have a vast public platform and an enormous responsibility to speak up against the injustices taking place, especially if its their own country.
Russia and Belarus should be sanctioned through all possible measures, including its athletes. We cannot allow their athletes to compete during the ongoing war, period. Russia must be pressured from every direction to end the war and withdraw from Ukraine as soon as possible.
To date, since the war began, 184 Ukrainian athletes have been killed from either fighting for their nation, or as innocent victims from the purposeful bombings targeted at civilians. Those athletes are now a memory. They will never again have the opportunity to represent Ukraine on the world stage. They will never again bring home a medal. They will never again achieve their personal best. They will never again break world records. They have now and forever been cheated of life, being champions of their nation, and bringing honor and pride to their homeland. They will never again sing Ukraine’s national anthem with tears in their eyes. Never ever again…
I appeal to all NOC’s and ISF’s of the world to unify in not supporting the allowance of Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the Olympics or sports, while the war is continuing and ongoing. We have a moral obligation to preserve the integrity of sport through humanity and compassion. We have a moral obligation to do what is right, not easier or politically correct.
Even the greatest game in the world is not worth more than human life.
Sincerely,
Lilia Podkopayeva
World and Olympic Champion
