Irina Viner-Usmanova saw the positive in the removal of Russian athletes

The actions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which recommended that international sports federations not allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in international tournaments, are justified, as they were taken to avoid provocations against the Russians.

This opinion was expressed by the President of the Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation Irina Viner-Usmanova.

“The International Olympic Committee quite rightly removed Russia from the competition, fearing that there would be provocations, some demonstrations and our athletes could suffer both morally and physically. This is a justified step, although it is unfortunate that politics now rules the sport”, said Irina Viner-Usmanova. “When World Cup or Grand Prix rounds are held in such friendly countries as Uzbekistan, then Russian and Belarusian teams can safely go to these competitions and participate there because it is certain that there will never be provocations”, added she.

Earlier today, the IOC recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes not be allowed to participate in international tournaments.

Irina Viner-Usmanova’s husband, Alisher Usmanov, is on another list of EU-sanctioned individuals in Russia.