Today, Ukrainian junior gymnasts were forced to stand and listen to the anthem of a country that bombs their homes, destroys their cities, and steals their childhood every single day.
The decision to allow russian athletes to compete again with their flag and anthem is not “neutral.” It is a direct humiliation of Ukrainian athletes who continue training under air raid sirens, blackouts, anxiety, and war.
These girls came to represent their country with dignity. Instead, they were placed in a situation that insults their honor, pain, and reality.
Sport cannot exist outside humanity. And there is nothing fair about asking children affected by war to applaud symbols of the aggressor state.
Behind every Ukrainian gymnast today is resilience, courage, and strength far beyond sport itself.
