Signs of propaganda: an athlete was forced to paint over the inscription "I am Ukrainian" at the 2024 Olympics

The organizers of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris demanded that canoeist Anastasia Rybachok paint over the phrase "I am Ukrainian" on her boat. The inscription was called "having signs of propaganda," so the 26-year-old native of Kherson covered the last two letters.

This was reported on their Facebook page by Rybachok's sponsors, BGV Group Management. The athlete herself noted that athletes are prohibited from placing anti-war messages on their equipment, but the patriotic inscription is only a manifestation of love for the country that continues to resist unmotivated Russian aggression.

"The International Olympic Committee prohibits any war-related inscriptions on boats. For example, we cannot write Stop War. They consider it propaganda. But the inscription "I am Ukrainian" is different, it indicates our affiliation with Ukraine, which is important. First of all, it is a symbol of faith in me and my capabilities. When I created the design for the canoe, I wanted to emphasize that I am from Ukraine and I am incredibly proud of it!" Rybachok commented on the incident.

Photos of Anastasia's boat have also appeared online. It shows that the athlete had glued the letters A and N with duct tape.

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