The State Duma said the West was irritated by the victory of Russian swimmers at the World Cup

The ban by the International Aquatics Federation (World Aquatics) on covering the victories of Russian athletes shows that these victories irritate Western propagandists. This is how Svetlana Zhurova, Olympic champion in speed skating and State Duma deputy, assessed the measure on December 12.

A similar restriction became known earlier in the day. The Russian Aquatics Federation said it was banned from publishing on its resources the results of Russians who won gold medals at the World Short Course Championships in Budapest.

"Gold in this situation they (international federation. - Ed.) are less interested in, because there will be a bunch of words "victory" and "Russia", which irritates Western propagandists," Zhurova told "RIA Novosti".

The deputy said she had no doubts about the return of domestic athletes in the fight for medals. According to her, the scale and principles of Russia ensured that funding for water sports and athletes' sports form was maintained.

Zhurova expressed hope that the new victories would be the impetus for Russia's full-fledged return to big sport with anthem and flag.

Unearthly waters: how the first day of the World Swimming Championships went with the participation of Russians

Our athletes in Hungary are still without medals, but seven world records have fallen at once

The day before, Russian swimmers won gold in the 4 x 50 m combined relay at the World Short Course Swimming Championships. The second place was taken by the Canadian team, the third - by the USA.

Another gold medal was taken by Russia's Miron Lifintsev, who showed the best result in the 100m backstroke. He became the first Russian swimmer since 2021 to win a medal at the world championships. In addition, Kirill Prigoda updated the Russian record in the 100m breaststroke.