Moscow, Mar 21 (EFE).- Russia hopes that Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry, the newly elected president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), will reverse the ban on Russian athletes imposed by her predecessor, ’s Thomas Bach, over the war in Ukraine.
“Kirsty Coventry has extensive organizational experience and enjoys strong respect among her peers, as confirmed by the election results,” parliamentary sports committee head Oleg Matitsin told local media.
Matitsin said the IOC president-elect possessed the “necessary qualities for successful leadership.”
He stressed that as a former chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, she “understands which processes require special attention” and expressed hope that she would uphold “true Olympic ideals.”
Yelena Vialbe, head of the Russian Ski Federation and a vocal critic of the IOC, welcomed Coventry’s appointment, particularly as a woman leading the Olympic movement.
“Moreover, she comes from the sports world and has made encouraging remarks, including the need for athletes to compete. We expect a constructive dialogue,” Vialbe noted.
Russian Minister of Sports Mikhail Degtyaryov congratulated Coventry on Thursday via Telegram, expressing hope that under her leadership, the IOC would become a “strong, independent, and prosperous” organization.
“And that Russia returns to the Olympic pedestal,” he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory telegram, stating that the election results “convincingly demonstrate your high prestige in the world of sports and recognize your outstanding personal achievements.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed Russia’s intention to compete under its anthem and flag at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
In March 2023, the IOC recommended allowing Russian athletes to participate in individual events at the Paris Olympics under a neutral flag, excluding team sports and barring those d with the Russian Armed Forces.
At the Paris Summer Games, only 15 Russian athletes competed, compared to 209 at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Russia previously attempted to organize an alternative tournament, the World Friendship Games, but President Vladimir Putin postponed it indefinitely due to a lack of international interest.
Russian sports have faced isolation on the global stage, first due to state-sponsored doping and, since 2022, over the country’s military campaign in Ukraine. EFE
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