Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Kirsty Coventry on her election as IOC President, emphasizing her experience and authority in sports. The message reflects Moscow’s desire for its athletes to be reinstated in the Olympics after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Key figures express hopes for Coventry to enhance mutual understanding and inclusivity in sports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his congratulations to Kirsty Coventry following her election as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In a message featured on the Kremlin’s website, he highlighted her “unique experience,” which he believes will significantly contribute to the advancement of the Olympic movement.
Putin emphasized that Coventry’s election is a testament to her esteemed reputation within the global sporting community. He expressed confidence in her ability to uphold the noble ideals of the Olympic Games during her tenure in this influential role.
Having previously communicated with Coventry’s predecessor, Thomas Bach, upon his election in 2013, Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s desire for its athletes to be fully reinstated in the upcoming Olympic Games. This follows a ban resulting from Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, which began in 2022.
While a limited number of athletes from Russia and Belarus, who facilitated Russia’s invasion, have been allowed to compete as neutrals in the 2024 Paris Games, Putin’s Minister of Sports, Mikhail Degtyarev, has clearly stated Moscow’s intention to advocate for their complete reintegration into the Olympic movement.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko expressed hope that Coventry’s leadership would foster improved “mutual understanding between nations” and enhance accessibility to sports for all individuals. Conversely, Vadym Guttsait, head of Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee, remains vigilant in his hope that Coventry will push for continued advocacy for peace, equality, and inclusivity within the competition.
Vladimir Putin’s congratulations to Kirsty Coventry, the newly elected IOC President, underscore the weight of her experience in advancing the Olympic ideals. With ongoing discussions regarding the participation of Russian athletes, stakeholders from both Russia and Belarus express their hopes for Coventry’s leadership. Her role will be pivotal in fostering inclusivity and peace in international sports, amidst calls for greater access and understanding among nations.
Original Source: kfgo.com
