The athlete kicked out of the Russian national team rushes to the Olympics: “Dream is more important than money” | Sports

In Russia, this step of the athlete was evaluated ambiguously, because the officials of the occupying country have not yet decided concretely whether they will send their athletes to the Olympic Games.

These days, U. Batašova gave an interview to the daily newspaper “Sport-Express”. In it, the pentathlete talked about the circumstances under which she received the status of a neutral athlete.

The 29-year-old athlete was the only Russian to ask for neutral status because, according to her, Russian athletes must compete at the highest level, as the country’s suspension from the sports arena due to the war in Ukraine is unlikely to end soon.

After applying, U. Batašova took part in the World Cup round in Ankara over the weekend and took seventh place.

In order to win a ticket to Paris, the athlete must finish among the three prize winners of the World Cup stage.

U. Batašova participated in the Tokyo Olympic Games and then finished ninth.

“I would like to tell you about my position. I don’t think many people know that the rules of pentathlon changed after the Tokyo Olympics, not even the rules, but the discipline itself. Horse riding was thrown out and a completely different, new sport was introduced (obstacle course – ed. post). I was one of those who stood up to defend equestrian sports. We wrote petitions, I collected about 600 signatures from athletes, coaches, and parents from Russia alone. We failed. Not only we Russians fought, but also the British, Italians, Hungarians were especially furious about the reforms. A lot of people viewed them negatively.

This year turns out to be the last year with horses, Paris will be the last modern pentathlon Olympics as we all know and love. Next will be a completely different sport, and I don’t plan to do that, this is my last season in pentathlon. In addition, modern pentathlon is not included in the program of the Friendship Games.

So I had to make a choice – either end my career or try to fulfill my goals in the Olympics. And I decided not to wait for the right moment, so I applied for status and notified the federation. Apparently someone didn’t like it, they didn’t support me. But I took on all the expenses myself, I pay for the training myself, with some support from friends and sponsors. The federation did not help, they immediately dismissed me from the national team, but I was ready for it. My dream is worth more than money,” said the pentathlete quite sharply.

U. Batašova spoke a little more about the procedure according to which athletes are granted the status of neutrality.

“I sent the letter and I didn’t know if I would be accepted. In early March, I wrote to the Russian and international federations. She sent me a package of documents, but such documents need to be filled not only for me, but also for all the participants of the competition. I was asked for a riding license, basically proof that I have the skills to ride horses, a fencing license, a WADA certificate.

At that time, the Lednev Cup was held, and just the next day, the head coach of the national team came and said that he would remove me from the team. I was expelled on April 1st. This means that I no longer receive a salary for representing the national team, even though I was fifth in the national standings. I knew that was exactly what would happen. But I’ll say it again – I’m not going to betray my dream of a salary in the national team. Although the national team was created to defend the country’s honor in international competitions. What is it for now?” the pentathlete asked rhetorically.

When asked if she does not feel like a traitor to the nation, U. Batašova gave a philosophical answer.

“Of course not. I love my country as much as Ovechkin, who plays for Club USA and lives there. Is love measured by a sticker on the uniform?” – the pentathlete answered the question again with a question.