German national team coach advocated the return of gymnasts from Russia to the world stage

Russian gymnasts should return to the international arena as soon as possible. This statement was made on December 11 by Valery Belenky, coach of the German men's national gymnastics team.

"Sport should be separated from politics, and it is a pity that Russia was not allowed to participate in the Olympic Games. I really hope that in the future the situation will change and Russian athletes will return," he told TASS.

According to the coach, skipping international starts by Russians is wrong. He added that the lack of opportunity for Russian athletes to compete for Olympic medals is unfair.

Passing conditions: admission of Russians to foreign starts becomes easier

Despite a number of positive news, it is still too early to talk about a turning point in the situation with the performance of our athletes in the international arena

Earlier, on December 4, International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) President Mohammed Jaloud said that Russian athletes will soon return to the international arena.

On March 28, 2023, the IOC executive committee recommended that international federations allow only those Russian athletes to compete who do not support Russia's special operation to protect Donbass, and as neutral athletes. It also recommended that athletes from the Russian Federation associated with the armed forces and security agencies should not be allowed to compete.