Can Russian athletes attending the Paris Olympics truly be considered neutral?

Today, we present the multifaceted profile of Nikita Nagornyy, a 26-year-old Russian gymnast, gold medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, and silver medalist at the Rio Olympics.

Let’s examine key aspects of Nagornyy’s life to understand just how “neutral and non-political” he really is.

Nikita Nagornyy holds the rank of second lieutenant in the Rosgvardia (National Guard), an internal military force of the Russian Federation. He has publicly expressed great pride in this role on numerous occasions. On May 9, 2022, just three months after Russia’s attack on Ukraine, he participated in the “Victory Parade” with the Russian Youth Army on Red Square in Moscow. Nagornyy is a prominent leader of the Russian movement “Yunarmiya” (the Youth Army), which officially aims to instill “patriotism and love for the motherland” in Russian children and teenagers.

In reality, Yunarmiya is a program for military training and education.

Nagornyy has repeatedly voiced his support for the Russian army waging war in Ukraine. He has encouraged donations to funds for Russian soldiers and visited military hospitals to show his support. Alongside other gymnasts, he even purchased a drone for a Russian army unit.

Moreover, Nagornyy is part of an activist group campaigning for Vladimir Putin’s fifth presidential term. This group includes several Russian celebrities, such as actor Vladimir Mashkov and singer Polina Gagarina.

These clear facts reveal Nagornyy’s unequivocal allegiance to the aggressor regime in Russia. Despite this, he is actively preparing to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has pledged to investigate the involvement or support for the war by any athlete considered for the Olympics. Yet, Nikita Nagornyy has not faced any sanctions. In Russia, sports, state propaganda, and the military are inseparable.

As long as Russian bombs continue to rain down on Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes have no place at the Paris Olympics.

We will not allow Russia to turn #Paris2024 into the blood games.

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