World Cup gold winner Hanna Rizatdinova spoke of Russian threats when she encouraged an Israeli gymnast.
Hanna Rizatdinova received threatening messages during last year’s Olympics. AOP
Former Ukrainian gymnast Hanna Rizatdinova has recounted how he came under the wrath of Russian gymnasts.
Rizatdinova says Russia’s nasty messages began when she publicly supported an Israeli gymnast Linoy Ashramia at last summer’s Tokyo Olympics.
– It was the first time I experienced their aggression. They were ordinary 14- to 16-year-old gymnasts from Russia who commented “how dare you, our gymnasts are the best,” Rizatdinova said in a YouTube post on video.
The ashram won the women’s Olympic gold medal ahead of two Russian and one Belarusian gymnast. The ashram broke the Russian winning streak in the sport since 2000.
– I encouraged him and congratulated him on social media. I was very happy with his victory because for once something changed in our sport.
According to Rizatdinova, the young Russian gymnasts also wished for her death.
– I would also like to remind you that no Russian gymnast has given a word of support to Ukraine. In general, the vast majority of Russian and Belarusian athletes support their regime, Rizatdinova said.
Rizatdinova ended her racing career in 2017 at the age of 24. He won the Olympic bronze in 2016 in Rio and the World Cup gold in 2013.
Source: Sport.ua