Ukrainian artistic gymnastics coach Gennadiy Sartynskyi has reacted to the return of Russian gymnasts to international competitions, OBOZ reported.
Sartynskyi stated that the Ukrainian men's national team has not yet competed under these conditions. However, he said the team must work within the framework set by the International Gymnastics Federation.
He recalled a previous experience when the federation withdrew the Ukrainian team from a World Cup stage due to the presence of Russian women in the women's event, even though the men's team was not competing against them.
Updated podium conduct rules
Sartynskyi said that whether the team wants to or not, Ukrainian gymnasts will share the podium with Russian competitors. He added that the team must focus on doing its job to defeat them, asking what else they can do.
The coach also noted that the International Gymnastics Federation updated its rules for podium conduct. Under the new rules, athletes must attend the ceremony, stand during the national anthem, and turn toward the flags.
European Championship in Zagreb
The Russian Gymnastics Federation previously stated that its top athletes experienced issues obtaining Croatian visas before the upcoming European Championship. The tournament will take place in Zagreb from August 13 to 23, with Russian athletes competing without national symbols.
