The senior coach of the Russian artistic gymnastics team, Valentina Rodionenko, complained that the Ukrainians are preventing Russian representatives from returning to international tournaments. The coach of the national team called it normal for athletes to participate in actions in support of the dictatorial regime of Vladimir Putin.

Rodionenko stated this in a comment to the VseProSport portal.. The Russian noted that she cannot predict the decisions of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) regarding the return of athletes from the Russian Federation to tournaments under the auspices of the organization, since functionaries carefully study the data on each athlete.

“It’s difficult to say anything, the decision on admission is made by FIG. I don’t know who they will let in, who they will refuse, we are waiting for an answer. It will become clear by mid-February. Perhaps someone will be selectively excluded. Let's say some athlete took a photo at a rally. The Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation closely monitors our athletes, transmits all this “data” to the FIG, and then they make a decision. So it won't be easy. We are waiting and hoping for positive news,” Rodionenko said.

Previously, Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion in team competitions and three-time world champion in artistic gymnastics Nikita Nagorny retired due to suspension.