Questions arose in Russia about the events at the 2024 Olympics, but “no questions arose” regarding Israel

Bronze medalist of the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi in snowboarding Alena Zavarzina expressed her indignation at the participation of Russian athletes at the Olympic Games in Paris. She stated that everything that happened in France, including the admission of athletes from Russia to the 2024 Olympic Games, caused her a lot of suffering. She was also upset that Israel, also a country in conflict, was allowed to participate in the 2024 Olympics without any questions.

“It was grim. It's a shame and pain for the guys. I am sorry that an entire generation will be deprived of international starts. And I certainly don’t understand why Israel was allowed to participate in the Olympics?” – Zavarzina commented.

The athlete herself suggested stopping pretending that the Olympic Games are only about sports justice or the motto “faster, higher, stronger.” She believes that it is more about entertainment, nationalism, an economic engine and a PR campaign for those who demand a rise in social status.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, 15 Russian athletes participated under the status of “Neutral Individual Athletes” (INS). They used a neutral flag and a short anthem instead of the traditional one. Russian athletes took part in competitions in cycling, gymnastics, weightlifting and wrestling.

Among neutral athletes from Russia there were winners of some disciplines:
— Ivan Litvinovich won gold in men's trampoline;
— Viyaleta Bardzilovskaya and Evgeniy Zalaty won silver in women’s trampoline and single rowing, respectively;
— Evgeny Tsikkhantsov received bronze in the men's weightlifting discipline (up to 102 kg).

Israel was also allowed to participate in the 2024 Olympics, which caused discontent among Zavarzina and other athletes from Russia. Veronika Stepanova also joined the protests against the participation of Russian athletes at the 2024 Olympics.