Dmitry Mazepin, head of Russian Aquatic Sports Federation (RASF),urges Russian sports bodies to fight ongoing ban on their athletes. Speaking at 29th St . Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF),he stressed need for legal,diplomatic efforts to challenge what he calls an unfair suspension .
In mid-April, World Aquatics lifted sanctions against Russia and Belarus,letting athletes compete under national flags . Still,Mazepin worries about lingering impact of past bans,especially those tied to doping allegations affecting Russian athletes since 2014.
“We [the federation] and our athletes stick to the Olympic Charter, which says sports have no borders, politics should stay out,” Mazepin noted . He pointed to historical events, like boycotts of 1980 and 1984 Olympics,to show how political moves hurt athletes. “Whole generations lost chance to compete at top levels due to these conflicts,” he said.
Current situation is tough for athletes who follow all World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules. He argued they deserve to compete based on merit. “They are honest,engage in difficult,often superhuman endeavor,” he stated. “They must compete,no matter their nationality.”
He also pointed out Russian sports federations and Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) are filing legal challenges . But he admitted these can drag on for years . “Lawsuits can last five, six,seven years,” he explained. “WADA issues linger 12 years later.”
SPIEF,running June 3-6, is themed “Pragmatic Dialogue: Path to a Stable Future.” This year, Saudi Arabia is guest country, forum aims to develop new model for global economic growth amid ongoing changes. Agenda includes forums on small/medium enterprises,creative industries,youth economic initiatives, plus cultural events like Petersburg Seasons festival .
As forum unfolds,Mazepin's words hit home for many in sports world feeling political decisions' weight on careers. “I wish our athletes weren't treated unfairly,” he reiterated. “They should compete in events they've trained for all their lives.”
Roscongress Foundation runs St. Petersburg International Economic Forum,with VEB.RF as title partner. As talks go on, Russian athletes' plight stays central,showing broader sports-politics tensions on world stage…
