The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics has been marred by a contentious decision, as Russia and Belarus have been banned from participating in the prestigious event. This ruling, imposed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in February 2022, has left many athletes and fans alike feeling frustrated and disappointed.
One such voice of dissent is that of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who hails from Dagestan, Russia. Makhachev took to Instagram to express his disapproval of the decision, labeling it as “dirty politics.”
Image 1: “Поздравляю Олимпийский пьедестал это серьезный результат”
Translation: “Congratulations The Olympic podium is a serious achievement”
Image 2: “Могут больше чем бронза
Мои поздравления”
Translation: “They can do more than bronze
My congratulations”
Image 3: “Поздравляю До конца это про него”
Translation: “Congratulations To the end, this is about him”
Image 4: “чем тяжелее дорога Тем слаще победа Поздравляю”
Translation: “The harder the road The sweeter the victory Congratulations”
Image 5: “Разогнался очень сильно поздравляю брат”
Translation: “He gained a lot of momentum congratulations brother”
In his impassioned post, Makhachev expressed sympathy for the athletes who have dedicated their lives to chasing their Olympic dreams, only to have them dashed due to circumstances beyond their control. “It’s not fair to punish the athletes for actions that are out of their hands,” the champion said.
Makhachev also called out the “double standards” of the countries involved in the decision-making process, suggesting that the move was more about political agendas than fair competition. “It’s dirty politics, and it’s not right,” he asserted.
Translation:
“You have written your name in
the history of this sport
as one of the most
spectacular fighters”
Image 2: “А так эти дни наслаждался просмотром борьбы 🤼 Жаль , что и в такой мужественный вид спорта забралась эта грязная политика
Люди отдавшие всю свою жизнь этому виду спорта и получив шанс бороться на олимпийских играх Вынуждены остаться дома и смотреть Олимпиаду по телевизору”
Translation: “And so these days I enjoyed watching wrestling 🤼 It’s a pity that even in such a manly sport this dirty politics has crept in
People who have given their whole lives to this sport and received a chance to compete in the Olympic games Are forced to stay at home and watch the Olympics on television”
Blue text at bottom: “Двойные стандарты грязных стран , лишают наших спортсменов того, чего они добивались всю жизнь”
Translation: “Double standards of dirty countries deprive our athletes of what they have worked for all their lives”
The IOC’s decision to ban Russia and Belarus from the Paris Olympics came in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine. Citing a violation of the Olympic Truce, the governing body deemed it necessary to exclude the two countries from the global stage.
While athletes from Russia and Belarus are still allowed to compete as neutrals, they are unable to represent their nations, denying them the opportunity to compete under their national flags and anthems.
Makhachev’s frustration is understandable, as the ban not only affects the athletes themselves but also the fans who have long supported their national teams. The champion’s words echo the sentiments of many who believe that the Olympics should be a platform for uniting the world through sport, not a stage for political grandstanding.
