“The opinion of the Olympians about Donbass has nothing to do with sports.” Guberniev about a memo for Russian athletes

The Olympians, of course, can answer themselves, but for those who, perhaps, have doubts or are not very familiar with what is happening in the world, I see nothing terrible in this memo. This is a reminder that if you have nothing to say from yourself, then you will probably say the way you were recommended.

I completely agree with the last point that this is everyone’s business and it is not at all necessary to kneel. Let’s leave these demonstration performances to those showmen who do it. If you express solidarity or some kind of grief, then it is quite possible to do it lying down, standing, sitting and whatever you like. We have such a wonderful sport – rowing and canoeing. Let’s announce that these athletes row on one knee and that they have paid tribute to this BLM movement for centuries.

If someone walks across and kneels on one knee or says something about Donbass – what does this have to do with our sport? None. The most important thing is the performance of the Russian team and the struggle for the result.

I absolutely do not care about the political views of the Olympians – who they are for, who are they against. They represent a big country, and they were selected for the Olympic team, this is a great happiness and a great honor.

We will perform well. Believe me, we have a great team, a talented generation of athletes has grown up.