The International Olympic Committee (IOC), in line with the atmosphere of the nearing Paris Olympics, has extended an invitation to over 200 countries. However, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes were obliged to encounter varying decisions on participation. Now, with the controversial decision to let the athletes compete as neutrals, the gymnast Yul Moldauer has expressed his thoughts on the issue.
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The 2017 U.S. national all-around champion has previously represented the nation in the Olympics. Joining along the thousands of athletes, the gymnast stands to aim for the next. This week, as he joined host Kenny Ducey for Essentiallysports Fancast to speak on his journey ahead, Yul discussed his thoughts on this utterly divisive situation that’s proliferated, and these were indeed the words of a wizened young man.
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Yul Moldauer takes a peaceful stand
Moldauer recently spoke about all things gymnastics during his interview with Kenny Ducey. The issues in men’s gymnastics or the NIL regulations, the gymnast has held staunch opinions. Following a segment on his backup plans, the host’s question on the IOC’s decision on Russia led Moldauer to present his thoughts yet again. “It’s so hard talking about this topic because there’s a good side and there’s a bad side. It’s not right or wrong, it’s two countries” the gymnast started.
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“So… I am not gonna say who can compete and who cannot. Because I am not involved in that situation. I am just gonna say don’t bring politics into sports.“ He further added that, since he hasn’t experienced being in either of the party’s situations, it does not give him a right to have a say. Furthermore, the Olympian’s opinion extended beyond the grounds of sports to include the war fields.
Stating that he’d rather have a boxing match between two leaders instead of wars, Yul pointed out the impacts wars held. “Whether it’s Ukraine or Russia or any country, I don’t think we should ever be sending out Young men. They are dying before they have a real life.” As Yul further pointed out that the war majorly involves politics and people in authority, participation, and athletes can remain far off it.
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The stance encompassing war grounds
Early in December 2023, the IOC announced its decision to let the Russian and Belarusian athletes partake in the Olympics but as neutrals. Flags, emblems, or anthems, however, won’t be recognized for the nations’ individual athletes. Furthermore, while only individuals take part, no officials from either of the two countries will be invited to the games. According to Al Jazeera, the committee was of the opinion that ‘athletes should not be held accountable for the actions of their governments’.
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So far, 60 Ukrainian athletes, eight Russians, and three Belarusians have been qualified for the games this summer.
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