Mahuchikh condemns Russian return to international competitions
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Yaroslava Mahuchikh (Photo: REUTERS/Peter Cziborra)
Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh has criticized sports federations that are allowing Russian athletes to return to international competition as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, Finnish newspaper Iltalehti reported on Sept. 14.
The world record holder said Ukrainian athletes remain unable to train and compete normally at home because of continuing Russian attacks.
“Russians returning to sport? To me, it’s madness because nothing has changed. Absolutely nothing,” Mahuchikh said.
“I would also like to prepare and train at home, but I am forced to stay outside Ukraine, far away from my parents and friends. We are completely separated, so the situation is crazy.”
Mahuchikh pointed to continuing Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including her hometown of Dnipro.
“Kyiv has just been under attack throughout the week. Strikes happen every day, and horrific videos are constantly appearing,” she said.
“My hometown [Dnipro] was struck just a few days ago, so the situation is terrible. Unfortunately, nothing has changed, but we still have hope.”
IOC eases restrictions, World Athletics maintains ban
In July, the International Olympic Committee said its previous recommendations restricting Russian athletes and teams from international competition were no longer applicable and provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee.
Several international sports governing bodies have since moved toward allowing Russian athletes or teams to return.
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), for example, has confirmed that Russia’s men’s and women’s national teams will return to the Volleyball Nations League in 2027.
International handball authorities have also begun reintegrating Russian and Belarusian teams into international competition.
World Athletics, however, has maintained a significantly tougher position.
Its council reaffirmed in July that Russian and Belarusian athletes, officials and support personnel remain excluded from World Athletics international competitions because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Russia has challenged the restrictions at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but World Athletics President Sebastian Coe reiterated in September that the federation’s position remains unchanged.
Mahuchikh recently won the women’s high jump at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.
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