"It was unpleasant": Russian Olympic medallist talks about "bullying" at the COP after Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Anastasia Galashina, the 2020 Olympic medallist, complained that on 25 February 2022 she was withdrawn from the World Cup in Cairo. The two-time European champion recalled that the entire Russian national team was "politely asked to leave", which caused rejection by representatives of the aggressor country.

Galashina said this in an interview with Sport24. According to her, the organisers of the competition in Egypt did not even display the Russian flag at the awards ceremony. The Russian added that she has little hope of competing at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

"On 25 February, we flew to Cairo for the World Cup, and the clouds were gathering. I still managed to perform, for example, and so did one pistol player. We won medals. And then we were politely asked to leave. Even then, I was thoroughly searched to make sure that I didn't wear a flag or coat of arms at the award ceremony. It was unpleasant and sad. I think everyone understands now: The Olympics will happen, but we will not be there. I am not despairing and continue to train, I am sure that there will be some alternative competitions, there is already talk about it," Galashina said.

Earlier, four-time Olympic biathlon champion Alexander Tikhonov called Ukrainians brainless for refusing to shake hands with Russians at international tournaments.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, Olympic champion Mikhail Mamiashvili, speaking of a "superior race," demanded that Russian athletes be allowed to participate in the 2023 World Cup without additional conditions.

Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!