Russian synchronized swimmer, seven-time Olympic champion Svetlana Romashina spoke about the sanctions imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Russian sports. The restrictions, in particular, imply a ban on athletes from the Russian Federation from performing at the Olympic Games and World Championships under the national flags and receiving awards to the sound of the country's anthem.
“For this, it seems to me, we were initially prepared. We knew about it in advance - in fact, six months in advance, if not earlier. And in this situation, we realized that this was probably one of the best options that could happen. It could have gotten to the point that Russia would not have gone to the Olympic Games at all. On the other hand, it must be perfectly understood that even this state could not have been brought to such a state. Perhaps this is the main snag: this should not have happened, ”Romashina said.
She admitted that Russian athletes at the Tokyo Olympics could not even speak publicly about which country they were from - this was also prohibited. However, Romashina noted, everyone already understood what country they represent.
“Of course, it’s uncomfortable and unusual without a flag and anthem. But at the same time, many countries - not even in synchronized swimming, in other sports - saw our equipment and understood that we were Russians. They came up to us and said in English: "Oh, you are Russians"? And we, unfortunately, could not even answer them that way, because it was forbidden. And we only had to nod our heads, smile and say: "Yes, we are from the Russian Olympic Committee, from the country you named." To some extent it was unpleasant, but it seems to me that in general, the Russian team at the Games showed that we are ready for all situations. And those sofa critics who said that it was not necessary to go without a flag at all should look at our results, medals, and think about the work that athletes put into these medals. After all, this is the main goal of athletes in life, ”concluded Svetlana.
Earlier Romashina explained why the 2020 Olympics became the most difficult for her.
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