Klitschko backs Ukraine against IOC amnesty for Russians

Olympic gold medalist and former heavyweight champion, Wladimir Klitschkohas become yet another ally of Ukraine against the plans of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) which intends to allow the participation of some Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Paris Games in 2024.

Through a video message, published on Monday, he hinted that sports leaders will be complicit in war if this release is confirmed.

Klitschko’s one-minute video, shot alongside bomb-damaged buildings, was a direct challenge to IOC President Thomas Bach. “The world is watching you, history will judge you. Good luck with your decision,” said the Ukrainian boxer.

Klitschko mocks principles of sport amid war

In the message, he also mocked the principles of sport in the midst of this international war conflict. “You are the representative of the universal values ​​of tolerance and peace. I tell you: Russians are Olympic champions in crimes against civilians.”

The IOC last week established a possibility of participation for Russians and Belarusians who did not openly support the war to seek qualification for Paris and compete for 18 months as athletes from neutral countries, without flag and without anthem. At first, these qualifying events would likely be played on the Asian continent.

This slowdown by the entity that governs the international Olympic sport emerged in February last year, causing deep discontent in Ukraine, which even considered the possibility of boycotting Paris.

Wladimir is the brother of Vitali Klitschko, current mayor of Kiev, capital of Ukraine. Vitali gained fame for his performance as a heavyweight boxer between 1996 and 2017. A former champion of the World Boxing Council, he did not hesitate to take up arms to be part of the front line in the war against Russia.