#1
Yastrzhembsky calls for protection of Russian athletes' interests

ST. PETERSBURG. Feb 21 (Interfax-Northwest) - Russian Presidential aide Sergei Yastrzhembsky is concerned about "the attack on elite Russian athletes in those areas where Russians occupy a sure, leading position."

Yastrzhembsky said this in St. Petersburg on Thursday while commenting on the decision of the International Gymnastics Federation to disqualify Russian athletes Irina Chachina and Alina Kabayeva for a period of one year.

Yastrzhembsky, who is president of the Russian Gymnastics Federation, said that "if this information is confirmed, we will appeal against this decision."

Yastrzhembsky also said that a tendency is observed at the current Olympic Games "to squeeze our best athletes from world sport using non-sporting methods." As an example, he gave "the scandalous and unprecedented situation" with figure skating, freestyle skiing and the biathlon.

"It is necessary to oppose this. It is necessary to protect the interests of Russian athletes tougher than the heads of our sports delegation do. We shouldn't let them walk all over us," Yastrzhembsky said.

BACK TO THE TOP    #194 CONTENTS    NEXT SECTION