Kirsty Coventry. Photo courtesy of Belarus’ NOC
MINSK, 2 February (BelTA) – Well-known swimmer, two-time Olympic champion from Zimbabwe Kirsty Coventry has welcomed the move to facilitate the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes at sports events, BelTA learned from the website insidethegames.
Kirsty Coventry, a former IOC Athletes’ Commission chair and a current IOC member, said: “Our Olympic values are to be open and welcome everyone, so I agree that it’s a first step, and let’s see how that then plays out.”
The IOC has recently made a statement in favor of the participation of Belarusian and Russian athletes in qualifiers for Paris 2024 as neutrals. Kirsty Coventry also welcomed an Olympic Council of Asia proposal for Belarusian and Russian athletes to compete in the Asian Games which will include some Olympic qualifying events. The Asian Games will take place in Hangzhou, China on 23 September-8 October 2023.
