Weightlifter Albegov pointed to the lack of Russians at foreign competitions

Foreign weightlifters lack Russians at competitions. This was stated by Ruslan Albegov, two-time world weightlifting champion, when asked about the possible return of Russian athletes to the international arena.

Commenting on the attitude of foreign athletes to the suspension of Russians, the athlete wished that "everything would get back to normal".

"It's already time for our athletes to appear on the international arena. There are Belarusians and everyone else. I communicate with my comrades from other countries of the world, they, of course, lack our guys. Everyone has good relations, everyone communicates. It's fairer that way. We missed a lot of time. Both our federation and our guys," Albegov said in an interview with "SE" published on December 4.

The weightlifter pointed out that Russian athletes deserved to participate in international competitions, giving their best every day and showing high results within the country.

"Our guys have long deserved to compete on the international stage. There are many good athletes who cannot realize their potential. <...> Good thing the federation is trying to hold as many tournaments as possible so that the guys can realize the developments," he concluded.

Earlier in the day, the president of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Mohammed Jalud said that Russian athletes will soon return to the international arena. The federation specified that on December 5 a roadmap will be developed aimed at admitting weightlifters from the Russian Federation to the world and European championships in 2025.

On March 28, 2023, the IOC executive committee recommended international federations to allow only those Russian athletes who do not support Russia's special operation to protect Donbass to compete, and as neutral athletes.

Later, on May 12 of the same year, the International Weightlifting Federation allowed Russian athletes to compete in a neutral status. As the IWF representatives noted, this decision represents a compromise between showing solidarity with Ukraine and refusal to discriminate against athletes on national grounds.