The International Skating Union (ISU) has removed athletes from Russia and Belarus from all competitions under the auspices of the organization.
“Following the IOC’s recommendation to protect the integrity of the competition and the safety of all participants, the ISU Council decided that athletes from Russia and Belarus could not be invited or authorized to participate in international competitions administered by the Union. It also applies to officials”, said the ISU headquarters in a statement.
The ban applies to the sports of figure skating, short track, and speed skating. Russian athletes will not participate in the World Speed Skating Championships, which will be held from March 3rd to 6th in Norway, the World Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Montreal (March 18-20), and the World Figure Skating Championships in Montpellier (March 21-27).
The Russian Figure Skating Federation is disappointed with the decision of the International Skating Union (ISU) to remove Russian and Belarusian athletes from all competitions under the auspices of the organization, commented Director-General Alexander Kogan.
“We are sorry to hear about the decision of the IMS Council. We believe and have always believed that sport is outside politics, that this is one of the basic principles of the Olympic movement, so it is unfortunate. This is clearly a discriminatory decision based on belonging to any country. We will do everything for our athletes and coaches so that they have the opportunity to train and compete”, said Alexander Kogan.
