As I cruise down the river with Tokyo 2020 gold medalist Mariya Lasitskene, the Kremlin comes into view, a stark reminder that this is not Paris. We’re in Russia, where the Olympic champion is launching an innovative project – a fusion of athletics, fashion, and music. But Mariya’s heart isn’t in it. She’s still reeling from the World Athletics ruling that bars Russian track and field athletes from competing in the Paris Olympics, even as neutral athletes.
The pain is palpable as Mariya confesses, “I can’t even bring myself to follow the athletics at these Olympic Games. It’s too painful. We should be there.” The Russian press has been scathing in its criticism of the Paris Olympics, with some outlets labeling them “The Games of Satan” or “The Olympics of hell.” It seems Russia is winning the gold in sour grapes.
Russian MP Mariya Butina laments the politicization of the Olympics, saying, “It’s very sad because the original idea of the Olympics was to create peace.” But when confronted with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, she parrots the official line, “Russia has been protecting its people.”
In reality, the Kremlin’s actions amount to the invasion of a sovereign nation. Russia’s absence from the Olympics is palpable, with no TV broadcasts and only 15 athletes competing as “neutral athletes” in select sports. The bans are nothing new for Russia, which has faced suspensions for state-sponsored doping offenses in the past.
As I sail with Mariya, I’m reminded of the bittersweet nature of her journey. A champion unable to defend her title, a nation in turmoil, and a world divided. The Olympics, once a symbol of unity and peace, have become a casualty of geopolitics.
