Russian-born figure skater Nikita Volodin has been accused of committing 'pure treason' by Russia's sports minister after turning his back on his homeland to compete for Germany at the Winter Olympics. Volodin, originally from St Petersburg, secured dual citizenship last year and clinched a bronze medal in the pairs free skate event alongside his partner Minerva Hase, marking a significant defection that has ignited fury in Moscow.
Minister's Fury Over Defections
Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev has expressed intense anger towards athletes like Volodin, whom he views as engaging in a despicable act of betrayal. This outrage stems from Volodin's previous competitions under the Russian flag before his switch to German representation. Degtyarev did not mince words, stating unequivocally: 'Changing citizenship is pure treason. And that's my opinion, and it's correct.'
Threats of Retribution
In a stern warning, Degtyarev outlined potential punitive measures, suggesting that Russia could ban such athletes from entering the country and using its sports facilities. He argued, 'We provide them with food, education, coaches, and sports facilities. And then, bam, they throw away their passports and disappear. If we take everything away from them, ban them from entering and using our sports facilities, then we've achieved our goal.'
He emphasised that this issue is a delicate matter but one where no compromises should be made, leaving it uncertain whether these threats will be enacted against Volodin and others who have changed allegiance.
Background of the Controversy
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing ban from the Winter Olympics, imposed by the International Olympic Committee for violating the Olympic Charter following the country's invasion of Ukraine. Despite this ban, Degtyarev's focus remains on athletes he perceives as traitors, highlighting a broader trend of Russian-born competitors representing other nations.
Volodin's Silence and Broader Impact
Volodin has maintained a reserved stance on the invasion of Ukraine, only commenting, 'We have a clear opinion, but that will remain private.' His success, however, brings further attention to an embarrassing trend for President Vladimir Putin, with dozens of athletes abandoning Russia. In total, 38 athletes born in Russia are competing under different flags at the Games in Milan, each medal win like Volodin's intensifying the political frustration back home.
Olympic Achievement and Reactions
Hase and Volodin's bronze medal victory represents Germany's first skating medal at the Winter Olympics in eight years, achieved on Monday amidst fierce competition where Japan stormed to gold and Georgia claimed silver. The German pair expressed delight at their podium finish, with Hase telling reporters, 'It doesn't suck at all, to be honest. It's a medal at the Olympics. I think it doesn't matter which colour.'
She added, 'We can bring home a bronze medal from our first Olympics together. I think that's pretty amazing. A lot of people said we should get gold but I think we're just as proud to bring home bronze for figure skating.' This sentiment underscores the personal triumph amid the geopolitical tensions surrounding their performance.
