Vladimir Putin congratulated Kirsty Coventry on her election as IOC president, praising her experience. He emphasized Russia’s desire for Olympic reinstatement following bans due to the Ukraine invasion. Belarusian and Ukrainian leaders expressed hopes for Coventry’s influence on international sports relations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Kirsty Coventry on her election as the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), emphasizing her “unique experience” as vital for advancing the Olympic movement. Putin noted that the election results reflect her significant authority within the sports community, expressing confidence in her ability to uphold Olympic ideals in her new role.
Putin was the first world leader to reach out to Thomas Bach, Coventry’s predecessor, following his election in 2013. Amidst ongoing tensions, Moscow is keen to have its athletes reinstated in the upcoming Olympic Games after a ban stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Currently, only a limited number of Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to compete as neutrals in the 2024 Paris Games. Moscow’s sports minister, Mikhail Degtyarev, has made clear that they will advocate for a reinstatement, emphasizing a desire for the Olympic movement to grow stronger and for Russia to regain its presence on the Olympic podium.
In a statement, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko expressed hope that Coventry’s leadership will enhance mutual understanding among nations and promote accessibility in sports. Meanwhile, Vadym Guttsait, head of Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee, remains focused on ensuring the IOC’s commitment to peace, equality, and inclusivity under Coventry’s presidency.
Putin’s congratulatory message to Kirsty Coventry highlights her respected status in the sports community and signals Russia’s desire to reintegrate into the Olympic framework. Coventry’s leadership is viewed as an opportunity for fostering international sports relations, although significant challenges remain, particularly regarding the participation of Russian athletes in future competitions.
Original Source: kfgo.com
