Nemov supported gymnasts from the Russian Federation who refused international tournaments

Four-time Olympic champion in artistic gymnastics Alexei Nemov said in an interview with Izvestia on April 5 that he fully supports the refusal of Russian gymnasts to participate in international tournaments under a neutral flag.

"I support our athletes because, apparently, according to the conditions [under] which our athletes were offered to compete, they (the conditions. — Ed.) do not suit us. And here I completely take the side of our guys," said the gymnast.

According to Nemov, the return of Russian athletes to international tournaments should take place only on full terms. He added that he considers the demands made on Russians to be unfair.

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Athletes from the Russian Federation face difficulties receiving refusals

On April 5, the Russian Gymnastics Federation announced that the Russian gymnasts who had received neutral status had refused to compete in international tournaments. The reason for the decision was the numerous unjustified and biased refusals by the FIG special committee to allow Russian gymnastics representatives to compete. Oleg Belozerov, President of the Russian Gymnastics Federation, noted that he treats the decision with respect and understands what dictates it.

The head coach of the Russian national rhythmic gymnastics team, Tatyana Sergayeva, in an interview with Izvestia, pointed out the unfair attitude of FIG towards Russian athletes who applied to perform in a neutral status. She noted that the members of the national rhythmic and gymnastics teams performed as one family, refusing to participate in international tournaments.