Ukrainian athletes who were not yet injured or killed by Russia’s ruthless attacks face the pain of having to compete with the enemy in the world’s top arenas.
The main story on Russian sports-washing is excellent, but it was the news piece about Ukrainian orphans trapped in Italy that really caught my attention. In what world do a bunch of foster families get to decide that Ukrainians shouldn't be in Ukraine?
That’s been a huge issue on the occupied territories since the start of the full scale invasion, and unfortunately there isn’t much attention paid to it in the mass media coverage
Thank you for the news that never makes it into the mainstream channels. There is a saying that the devil is in the details, but apparently so are the angels. Who else reports on stranded Ukrainian children in Italy, gas rations in Russia, and intercepted documents (rhetorical question). Yet, these details tell more about the political and combat conditions than the glaring, almost generic headlines from the heritage media. Stay safe out there angels.
I, seriously, don't think Jesus would expect the Ukranians to "love" the Russians, moreover, come anywhere near them on the soccer field. Burn in Hell, Pootin followers!🔥
I dunno, I think this article dehumanizes the Russian athletes. They didn't choose where they were born, and the "military" title cited was in a specific sports division, yes? The neutral athlete model - without displaying the flag or playing the anthem of a nation that has attacked and called for the destruction of another nation -- makes sense.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts in the comments! You are right to say that nobody chooses where they're born, but global sport has never been just about individual players. These athletes also often willingly perform in the commercial government funded matches , receive support from their government , and are used as symbols of national pride to promote war. When a country like Russia is involved in horrific war crimes, our athletes want to minimize interaction with their representatives. But for example, our tennis player Marta Kostyuk has been known to shake hands with Daria Kasatkina after the match as an exception, since she has not just changed the flag she competes under, but also frequently speaks openly against the war and the government! So for many of our athletes, it’s not even about where they were born but what they stand for. Keeping quiet about the war and receiving funding is also a form of support, isn’t it? In your opinion, where the line should be drawn between individual responsibility and representation of a country in international competition ?
I don't think that purity tests for each athlete are a reasonable solution. (1) The issue of national pride is addressed by not showing flags or playing the anthem. (2) Should Iranian athletes be forced to denounce "Death to America" publicly before they compete? That could be dangerous to them and their families. (3) International competitions should be shared celebrations, with no one singled out for scorn or hatred. If anyone defies that *in the moment* -- including by refusing to shake hands with another athlete -- they should be reprimanded. (4) I understand that sports can be used for political statements. But "taking the knee" against racism, for example, is not the same as treating your opponent with disrespect.
🤔 I don't see any "dehumanising" with respect to the Russian athletes? It is factual & a good explanation of what is happening and why. IMHO what would "humanise" the athletes would be to take a moral stand against children being kidnapped in Ukraine & taken to Russia and/or the deliberate targetting of Ukrainian hospitals, apartment blocks, electrical power plants; etc etc. Unless and until the Russian PEOPLE show that they are not Putin puppets, they de facto support this illegal invasion IMHO 🤷
🫂 It must be so hard to share the stage/playing field/court etc with representatives of a country that is trying to annihilate your own, whether or not they are "official". Many sportspeople over the decades have used their position to speak out for or against positions, and I understand that in Russia that could be fatal, but that doesn't mean international sports organisations can't. However, it is apparent that much of the morality of every part of society these days seems to depend on $$$ behind the scenes, rather than anything else.
And like others, I find the situation of the Italian law keeping children hostage away from their own country strange - let us hope a diplomatic solution can be found 🤞💙💛
The main story on Russian sports-washing is excellent, but it was the news piece about Ukrainian orphans trapped in Italy that really caught my attention. In what world do a bunch of foster families get to decide that Ukrainians shouldn't be in Ukraine?
Exactly.
That’s been a huge issue on the occupied territories since the start of the full scale invasion, and unfortunately there isn’t much attention paid to it in the mass media coverage
Thank you for the news that never makes it into the mainstream channels. There is a saying that the devil is in the details, but apparently so are the angels. Who else reports on stranded Ukrainian children in Italy, gas rations in Russia, and intercepted documents (rhetorical question). Yet, these details tell more about the political and combat conditions than the glaring, almost generic headlines from the heritage media. Stay safe out there angels.
Thank you so much for your kind words Carol! Glad to have you as our reader 🫂
I, seriously, don't think Jesus would expect the Ukranians to "love" the Russians, moreover, come anywhere near them on the soccer field. Burn in Hell, Pootin followers!🔥
Love always triumphs! 🩷
I dunno, I think this article dehumanizes the Russian athletes. They didn't choose where they were born, and the "military" title cited was in a specific sports division, yes? The neutral athlete model - without displaying the flag or playing the anthem of a nation that has attacked and called for the destruction of another nation -- makes sense.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts in the comments! You are right to say that nobody chooses where they're born, but global sport has never been just about individual players. These athletes also often willingly perform in the commercial government funded matches , receive support from their government , and are used as symbols of national pride to promote war. When a country like Russia is involved in horrific war crimes, our athletes want to minimize interaction with their representatives. But for example, our tennis player Marta Kostyuk has been known to shake hands with Daria Kasatkina after the match as an exception, since she has not just changed the flag she competes under, but also frequently speaks openly against the war and the government! So for many of our athletes, it’s not even about where they were born but what they stand for. Keeping quiet about the war and receiving funding is also a form of support, isn’t it? In your opinion, where the line should be drawn between individual responsibility and representation of a country in international competition ?
I don't think that purity tests for each athlete are a reasonable solution. (1) The issue of national pride is addressed by not showing flags or playing the anthem. (2) Should Iranian athletes be forced to denounce "Death to America" publicly before they compete? That could be dangerous to them and their families. (3) International competitions should be shared celebrations, with no one singled out for scorn or hatred. If anyone defies that *in the moment* -- including by refusing to shake hands with another athlete -- they should be reprimanded. (4) I understand that sports can be used for political statements. But "taking the knee" against racism, for example, is not the same as treating your opponent with disrespect.
🤔 I don't see any "dehumanising" with respect to the Russian athletes? It is factual & a good explanation of what is happening and why. IMHO what would "humanise" the athletes would be to take a moral stand against children being kidnapped in Ukraine & taken to Russia and/or the deliberate targetting of Ukrainian hospitals, apartment blocks, electrical power plants; etc etc. Unless and until the Russian PEOPLE show that they are not Putin puppets, they de facto support this illegal invasion IMHO 🤷
🫂 It must be so hard to share the stage/playing field/court etc with representatives of a country that is trying to annihilate your own, whether or not they are "official". Many sportspeople over the decades have used their position to speak out for or against positions, and I understand that in Russia that could be fatal, but that doesn't mean international sports organisations can't. However, it is apparent that much of the morality of every part of society these days seems to depend on $$$ behind the scenes, rather than anything else.
And like others, I find the situation of the Italian law keeping children hostage away from their own country strange - let us hope a diplomatic solution can be found 🤞💙💛