On the eve of the 2016 Olympic Games, the European Athletics Championships were held in the Netherlands. For the first time, Russia was represented in the tournament by only one athlete: Daria Klishina. The remaining 67 applications were rejected due to a high-profile doping scandal surrounding the All-Russian Athletics Federation (VFLA).
The situation with the Russians has become one of the main topics of discussion at the European Championship. For many foreigners, the disappearance of dangerous competitors was more of a relief, but there were also those who supported the disqualified athletes.
Among the defenders of Russia was … Ukrainian athlete.
“I’LL BE UPSET IF THE RUSSIANS DON’T COME”
At the European Championships, athletes were asked about the Russian doping scandal almost daily. Some refused to answer such questions, others harshly criticized the Russians. Among the latter, for example, was the runner Sarah Petersen:
– It’s great to compete without the Russians. They have shown that they are using all means in an attempt to get ahead of us. Maybe they have 1-2 “clean” athletes, and I really feel sorry for them. But this is your country’s choice. Of course, we would like everyone to be here, it’s always great to be the best among everyone. But how can you be the best if you’re competing against someone who breaks the rules? I think they should be eliminated from the Olympic Games, – quotes the Danish “R-Sport”.
Photo source: Getty Images
In support of Russian athletes, Ukrainian hammer thrower Irina Novozhilova spoke unexpectedly. According to the girl, representatives of all countries are worthy of performing in international tournaments:
The scandal is not a scandal, but the European Championship should have been with Russia. And, consequently, the Olympic Games. I would be upset if Russians don’t come to Rio, because I have many friends among them. I am supporting Russia, as well as Ukraine and Belarus,” Novozhilova told R-Sport.
“WHAT DO YOU LOVE RUSSIA FOR?”
The opinion of the Ukrainian woman instantly spread through the Internet. Russian users did not skimp on complimentary comments about the girl. Novozhilova’s compatriots began to criticize her words, even demanding the immediate removal of Novozhilova from the Ukrainian national team.
– How can you regret that chemistry-filled drug addicts don’t perform with you in competitions? I don’t know, maybe I’m wrong in someone’s eyes, but, in my opinion, planting Madame should throw the hammer into the ranks of the Ukrainian national team for the last time in her life.
– It is good that there are fewer and fewer people with such simple and childish views.
– Why do you love Russia? Maybe for the horde, or maybe for the destruction of the Zaporozhye Cossacks? Well, for what?
Photo source: Getty Images
NO SANCTIONS
On the part of Ukrainian officials, oddly enough, there were no sanctions against Novozhilova. The athlete still plays as part of the national team: she participated in the Olympic Games in Rio and Tokyo.
In 2021, the Ukrainian government supported the athlete: they gave her money to buy a home in the athlete’s native, Nova Kakhovka.
– Iryna Novozhilova went to defend Ukraine’s honor at the Olympics for the fourth time. At one time, he changed Brovary to Nova Kakhovka and has probably been living in our city for 18 years. We must support our famous athlete. We do not have the right to buy housing at the expense of the local budget, but we can provide financial assistance,” explained Nova Kakhovka Mayor Volodymyr Kovalenko.
Shortly after participating in the Olympics, the athlete ended her career, joining the Ukrainian national team as a coach.
