Russian swim star Kliment Kolesnikov ‘not sad’ to miss Paris Olympics

MOSCOW – Russian swimming star Kliment Kolesnikov is all about winning Olympic medals – but not at all costs.

The world record holder in the men’s 50m backstroke has vowed to sit out the 2024 Paris Games over the “unacceptable” conditions imposed on Russian competitors due to the assault on Ukraine.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said in December that athletes from Russia and its ally Belarus would be able to compete in individual events in Paris as neutrals if their global governing bodies allowed, and as long as they did not actively support the war.

According to the IOC, only 11 athletes – eight Russians and three Belarusians – have so far qualified for the Olympics by meeting the criteria. More than 60 Ukrainians have qualified as well.

“At this time, under the current conditions, it’s unacceptable for me to take part in the 2024 Games,” Kolesnikov told AFP in St Petersburg.

“The dream of an Olympic gold medal remains, but I’m not sad about not being able to go,” added the 23-year-old, who won silver in the 100m backstroke and bronze in the 100m freestyle at the delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Moscow has denounced the “discriminatory” conditions but has not yet decided whether it would recommend that its athletes go to Paris or stay home.

But Kolesnikov, who at 18 was crowned European champion in the 50m and 100m backstroke events in 2018, has his mind made up about the Paris Games.

“I decided that for me personally, it would not be possible to participate in the Olympic Games under these conditions,” he said, explaining that he did not want to be a “black sheep” among the other athletes.

“The other guys are taking part, competing like nothing ever happened. Meanwhile, we won’t have the right to a delegation... nor a flag nor hymn.

“Of course, I’d like to go. Of course, I’d like to win Olympic gold. But considering the current situation, I’d run the risk of coming home with the medal only to see it taken away (by the IOC).”

While waiting for the situation to change, Kolesnikov said he wanted to focus on setting “new world records”.

The number of tournaments organised in Russia has increased significantly ever since Russian athletes were banned from international competition following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

“This whole time that we’ve been competing at home, the guys have been improving and breaking records... And me too,” said Kolesnikov, who in July reclaimed his world record in the 50m backstroke in 23.55 seconds.

“We swim and we remain in competition with athletes from other countries through our results.” AFP