Zhurova: It is good that the IOC did not allow Russians to attend the opening ceremony of the Olympics

The fact that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided not to allow Russians to participate in the parade of athletes at the opening of the 2026 Olympics is rather a positive event.

This assessment of the IOC decision was given by the Olympic champion in speed skating and State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova, she shared her opinion with RIA Novosti.

"I would say that it is even very good. True, to go without a flag and anthem, so that half of the country would ask: And why did they go to this discovery in such conditions? That is, it doesn't even make sense," the deputy said.

She expressed confidence that the decision of the International Olympic Committee will benefit Russian athletes, because "the guys will train and prepare calmly."

"So the IOC even did the right thing by not allowing it," the champion concluded.

Earlier on January 24, the IOC announced that the Russians would not take part in the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. True, they can attend the event as spectators.

The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Italy will be held on February 6, the competition will last until February 22. At the moment, nine Russian athletes have received an invitation to the 2026 Games. All of them will compete in neutral status.

As EADaily reported, earlier Svetlana Zhurova, deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Relations, named the three most unfriendly Western politicians to Russia.