The cheers of the Olympics in Tokyo have faded, but the winds in Russia around Linoy Ashram's Olympic gold medal and the push of Russian athletes from first place in artistic gymnastics refuse to calm down.
As the days go by, the tones only rise, and this time it was Russian President Vladimir Putin's turn to appear in the offended and accusing role.
After spending 8 days in special isolation, which obliges everyone who meets with Putin, the Olympic delegates of the Russian delegation were hosted in a special ceremony in the Kremlin, to hear praises, receive state decorations (along with "modest" gifts - BMW X5s for gold and BMW X3 winners To silver and bronze medal winners) and to be photographed with the president.
Already at this stage it became clear that the stars of artistic gymnastics are receiving special treatment: Dina Avrina was placed with gold medalists, even though she only won money, and her sister Erina Avrina was added to the other medalists, even though she did not get on the podium in Tokyo and remained in fourth place.
Putin with the medalists in the Kremlin, AFP
The gesture hinted that Putin intended to refer in his voice at the ceremony to what was defined in Russia as the "judicial scandal" and "gold theft," and so it did.
In an outrageous statement broadcast last night on Russian state television, Putin chose to demonstratively ignore the results of the Olympics and stated that "Russian leadership in artistic gymnastics is preserved."
He reiterated the claim that Russian athletes face discriminatory treatment, stemming from political considerations and hostility towards Russia, and chose to roll over the judges who rated Linoy Ashram over the Russian sisters. "Let them reveal the protocols of the judgment, what have they to hide?" Wondered, and sailed to the districts of conspiracy theories against Russia with blatant accusation against the judges: "These are not military training, so why not show them? Look how you determine the scores. Usually the score calculations take a minute and a half - two, collect the protocols. "Think here for six minutes. Accountants! And yet do not give the protocols! Nothing, we will be stronger."
