Multiple Olympic biathlon champion Darya Domracheva has criticized the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes from all competitions. The statements of the Belarusian and wife of the legend Ole Einar Björndalen made waves. Erik Lesser also reacted.
In a lengthy Instagram post, former biathlete Darya Domracheva explicitly spoke out against the suspension of Russian and Belarusian athletes.
She worries about the people and believes that there will soon be peace, the Belarusian initially wrote: “No political goal should cost human lives. Life is priceless. People should remember this in order to resolve conflicts in a different way.”
At the same time, with regard to sport, she feels an “injustice” towards the excluded athletes, who did not start the war and condemn a military solution.
“Many human destinies were destroyed during the war. But why are we trying to destroy even more destinies of people who are not to blame for the current situation?” Domracheva asked.
“I think it’s totally naïve to think that excluding Belarusians and Russians will help resolve the military conflict. In my opinion, it only fuels the disunity between people,” he said the four-time Olympic champion.
Domracheva sharply criticizes other biathlon stars
Apparently, Domracheva cannot understand that her point of view is not shared by all other athletes. It is “sad” to read the comments of the athletes who explicitly welcome the exclusion, said the Belarusian.
Yesterday it was athletes who “shook hands, patted each other on the back, congratulated each other when they stood on the podium”. And today “they kick their colleagues in the back to throw them out,” Domracheva fumed.
Lesser reacts with clear words
Erik Lesser, among others, reacted immediately to the post, who has been vocally and energetically opposed to the war for weeks and is an advocate of the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes.
“Thanks for your words Darya,” Lesser wrote, “What is the solution? That Russia and Belarus can compete like in the good old days or as neutral athletes? Carrying on as if nothing happened is not right. It will be a war in the name run by Russia. Banning Russian flags and colors is the smallest sanction possible, don’t you think?”
Domracheva initially left Lesser’s post unanswered.