“Stop mixing politics and sports,” Elina Svitolina condemned by fans for demanding ban on Russians from upcoming Olympics

Elena Svitolina took to social media to implore tennis authorities to extend the ban imposed on Russian & Belarusian athletes

“Stop mixing politics and sports,” Elina Svitolina condemned by fans for demanding ban on Russians from upcoming Olympics

Elena Svitolina is a former world number 3 and has won 16 career WTA titles

Ukrainian tennis star Elena Svitolina divided the tennis fandom. When she took to social media to express her dissent regarding Belarusian & Russian participation in sporting events. The 28-year-old expressed her vehement views regarding Olympic participation. Svitolina stated the seriousness of global circumstances. She believes the imposition of sanctions on Russia & Belarus is a result of the ‘heinous acts of their governments’.

Thus, there was a heavy debate on the former world number 3’s post. The alleged war-like conditions between Russia & Ukraine at the moment have greatly affected the world at large. Tennis professionals such as Aryna Sabalenka & Daniil Medvedev weren’t allowed to participate in the 2022 Wimbledon Championships. There’s yet to be an update on that front.

Fans advocated for the fact that the athletes aren’t a cause behind present circumstances.

https://twitter.com/IvanaSimeonova2/status/1620794727808352256

Russia has issued statements in the past claiming that its government hasn’t committed any atrocities against Ukraine. And that attempts to bar its athletes from competing in major events were “doomed to fail.” This isn’t the first time Svitolina has put forth her views concerning the athlete ban. Russian and Belarusian participation in the 2022 US Open Championships has greatly upset her.

Related – “I don’t want to pick up a racket again” Elina Svitolina gives heartbreaking news as she continues her efforts to help Ukraine

Svitolina’s words came in retaliation to track-and-field athlete’s tragic demise

Volodymyr Androshchuk served the military as a volunteer before getting killed by shrapnel in Bakhmut
Volodymyr Androshchuk

Married to Gael Monfils, Svitolina’s words came in response to the tragedy that struck Ukraine. As decathlete Volodymyr Androshchuk was killed in combat with Russia on Wednesday. The sportsperson turned soldier volunteered for the military. Unfortunately, he was struck by shrapnel in Bakhmut.

In response, his friends and family vehemently advocated for the ban of Russian athletes from the Olympics. There was a sentiment of despair across the country, as it mourned the loss of a promising Olympian.

Androshchuk’s best friend, Dmytro Korbenko, spoke at length about Russian athletes. His words resonated with those of Svitolina. Even Ukrainian officials are outraged at the news of Russian participation. They intend to boycott the games if the situation persists. Latvia has seconded the Ukrainian proposition in this regard.

Korbenko shares the viewpoint that Russians should not be allowed to participate in the 2024 Olympics. According to him, the recently deceased Androshchuk possessed a strong will. “He was supposed to live a long and happy life. He had everything to be successful in training and in competitions” added Korbenko.

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