Russian Olympic champions banned for supporting "SMO" found a loophole, but their own coach accidentally turned them in

The World Taekwondo Federation (WT) has launched an investigation into the attendance of Russian Olympic champions Vladislav Larin and Maxim Khramtsov at the World Championships in Baku, reports Inside the Games. This came after the head coach of the Russian team, Vadim Ivanov, said the Olympic champions were "part of the team" at an event in the Azerbaijani capital last week.

Ivanov told the Russian state news agency TASS that the duo traveled to the World Championships and helped both coaches and athletes. Both Larin and Khramtsov had hoped to compete, but WT banned them because of their open support for the invasion of Ukraine.

A total of 23 Russians were allowed to participate in the World Cup in neutral status, and Ivanov praised Larin and Khramtsov for their help at the World Cup.

"Larin and Khramtsov went to the World Championships in Baku as part of the team at the expense of the Russian Taekwondo Union. Not only the coaches helped, but also the guys, as the most experienced and titled athletes," - said the coach.

Asked by Inside the Games to comment on Larin and Khramtsov's role in Baku, the World Taekwondo Federation said it was "aware of these reports and is looking into the matter to determine if the rules of participation were violated."

"We will make no further comment while the investigation is ongoing," the federation added.

Larin won Olympic gold in the weight category over 80 kg at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Khramtsov also won the 80-kilo weight class there.

Last year Khramtsov recorded a video message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on his 70th birthday. It was accompanied by a written message in which the 2020 Olympic champion used the letter Z three times.

Larin, 27, and Khramtsov, 25, represent the Army Central Sports Club and have competed in the World Military Games.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and Viber.Do not be fooled by fakes!