Vasiliev on IBU requirements: “Let them not be cunning. In the West, 80 percent of athletes are military personnel”

Two-time Olympic champion Dmitry Vasiliev assessed the requirements of the Executive Committee of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) in relation to Russian athletes and noted that in Western countries, most team athletes are also military personnel.

On Tuesday, the IBU executive committee recommended to Congress to extend the suspension of the membership of the Russian Biathlon Union (RBU) and the Belarusian Biathlon Federation (BFB) in the organization until certain conditions are met. The Executive Committee believes that the lifting of sanctions is possible if organizations demonstrate a commitment to support and promote the goals and principles of the IBU, in particular, distance themselves from the conflict in Ukraine and do not allow athletes to actively participate in the actions of the Russian army.

– Don’t let them lie. In the West, 80 percent of athletes are military personnel. This is a known fact. This is done to employ athletes. They then receive a decent salary and additional benefits. We have a similar story. There is no cunning and obligatory participation in military operations in this. The IBU understands everything very well, they know that not a single biathlete is involved in an armed conflict. They are very familiar with our system. This is just an excuse to make an elephant out of a fly. They try to come up with something nasty, and then unwind it to incredible proportions. I think everything should be taken calmly. Survive this period, do not grieve. Yes, the general situation is not entirely good, but you must keep your head cold and not sink into hysteria. Everyone just has to do their own thing.

The question itself is absurd. If you have any facts about the participation of biathletes in a special operation, then present them. Why make such a bold statement? As far as I know, there were no such appeals in Russia. Everyone must do their job. The fact that they mix everything together speaks of a loss of common sense. Some kind of madness took over society. This is very sad. Before setting the conditions for the SBR, you first tell us what we are doing wrong. But, as far as I understand, they have nothing to present, ”Vasilyev said in an interview with RT.

On March 2, the IBU suspended Russians and Belarusians from participating in competitions under the auspices of the organization. On March 29, the IBU suspended the membership of the RRF and the BSE.