Espreso. Global

“Russian medals are made of blood, death and tears”: Usyk addresses IOC President Bach

6 February, 2023 Monday
23:01

Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk has called on IOC President Thomas Bach to prevent Russians and Belarusians from participating in the 2024 Olympics

client/title.list_title

Usyk posted the video on Instagram.

Thus, he responded to the initiative of the President of the International Olympic Committee to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the 2024 Olympics in a neutral status.

“I am a Ukrainian athlete; I won an Olympic gold in boxing in 2012; I am the current world heavyweight champion. You want to allow Russian athletes to compete at the Olympics. Russian Armed Forces invaded our country and kill civilians,” he noted. 

He emphasized that the Russian army is killing Ukrainian athletes and coaches, destroying sports grounds and halls.

“The medals that Russian athletes are going to win are medals of blood, death and tears.

Let me wish you to have a peaceful sky above you and to be in good health and happy.”

After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the IOC banned athletes from Russia and Belarus from participating in international competitions. However, in January 2023, IOC President Thomas Bach advocated for their participation in the 2024 Olympics in Paris under a neutral flag. For this purpose, Russians and Belarusians were allowed to attend the Asian Games, where they will be able to obtain Olympic licenses.

Oleksandr Usyk is the 2012 Olympic champion in the 91 kg category. He holds the WBO (World Boxing Organization), WBA (World Boxing Association) and IBF (International Boxing Federation) world titles in the super-heavyweight division.

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2024, Monday
4 November
21:40
Over 80 million tons of cargo exported through Ukrainian sea corridor
21:25
Rheinmetall to finish building second military plant in Ukraine soon - NATO 
21:07
Exclusive
First display of Shahed-136B, September 2024, open source photo
Ukraine, Russia both depend on Chinese components - Defense Express
20:48
Canada sends NASAMS air defense system to Ukraine
20:29
Russian army increases activity in Lyman direction - Ukraine’s General Staff
20:10
Over 1,000 injured by Russian mines in Ukraine since February 2022, including 100 children
19:48
Exclusive
Ukraine surrender ideas are extremely unpopular among Americans - Ukrainian MP
19:25
Ukraine signs $600 million agreements with World Bank
19:02
OPINION
Moldova: How outflow of people impacts elections
18:43
57 journalists killed, 45 injured since full-scale war began in Ukraine
18:20
OPINION
Not only U.S. elections...
17:57
Patriarch Kirill says Jesus Christ did not condemn death penalty
17:35
Russia deploying ten times more Shahed drones than last fall - Zelenskyy
17:16
Ukraine restores last of three bridges destroyed by Russia over Desna River
16:55
Russia proposed peace deal to Ukraine just 11 days after invasion, suggesting terms akin to capitulation
16:39
"Life inspires me": how Ukrainian teenagers support other children in frontline city
16:15
Zelenskyy meets top defense officials, reports developments in supply of Western aid
15:56
Borrell urges South Korea to boost support for Ukraine
15:46
Updated
Sandu officially recognized as President of Moldova for second term
15:35
KIIS poll: Fewer Ukrainians willing to endure war indefinitely
15:13
Espreso included in White List of Transparent and Responsible Media
14:53
Exclusive
"Axis of evil" takes advantage of U.S. presidential campaign — former Ukrainian MP
14:34
OPINION
Moscow, Beijing view Turkey as part of the West, not an authoritarian ally
14:16
Russia's major military vehicles supplier KamAZ reports multi-million losses
13:57
OPINION
Elections in Moldova: What conclusions can Ukraine draw
13:36
Indonesia, Russia begin first-ever naval drills amid foreign policy shift
13:16
Zelenskyy, global leaders congratulate Maia Sandu on her election victory in Moldova
12:55
Josep Borrell visits South Korea as concerns rise over North Korean troops in Russia
12:37
German Foreign Minister Baerbock assures Kyiv of support ahead of U.S. vote
12:16
Top Russian Guard official Mirzaev arrested on bribery charges - media
11:57
Exclusive
Russia adjusts tactics in use of Shahed drones — military expert Zgurets
11:36
Exclusive
Ukraine in "complex defense" on Kurakhove front, says 33rd Brigade acting press officer
11:15
169 clashes at Russian-Ukrainian front: Russia attacks in Kurakhove, Pokrovsk sectors
10:55
U.S. State Department funds 800 mobile fire teams in Ukraine this year, says Ambassador Brink
10:16
Russia bombs Ukraine's Kharkiv, injuring at least 15, casualties feared under rubble
09:45
Russian losses since start of Ukraine invasion exceed 700,000 soldiers
2024, Sunday
3 November
21:46
OPINION
“Quiet voters” are secret weapon of both candidates in U.S. elections
21:16
Exclusive
Ukraine's economic situation remarkably strong for three years into war, economist says
20:48
Russia allegedly plans to interfere with voting abroad in Moldova's elections
20:17
Kurakhove, Pokrovsk sectors endure intense Russian assaults
More news