It is interesting, in my opinion, to read this article (link below) and to understand how the Russian doping scandal is understood by Russian citizens and athletes. It shows that 'another' perspective on President Putin and on the blanket ban of track and field is shared by a lot of people.
It is also true that Russia's whole strategy of sports development and of using mega events to develop the visitor economy has been cast into doubt by the IOC response to the cheating that has evidently been going on. The brouhaha surrounding the blanket ban, its pros and cons in different sports and all the rights and wrongs have masked the fact that for the first time the IOC has imposed the equivalent of economic sanctions on Russia by removing so many sporting events due to be staged there. Sport has imposed itself right in the middle of world politics. I hope that the end result is greater peace in the world.
I hope that the Russian Govt's pledge to renew the testing regime is followed through in a positive way, and that the work involved can be a true collaboration within the international Olympic community. To me this is the second step in Russia's rehab into the international sports community. The first is to admit wrongdoing, which may be more difficult while licking the wounds of such an enormous sanction. I would like to see Russia back safely in the Olympic fold, where they belong.
I've always thought that gymnastics is the most Olympic of sports. The friendships that manifest themselves between athletes, coaches, officials and fans are always there through thick and thin. It is remarkable when you consider the wider political history and some of the controversies. The nature of gymnastics as a sport where you challenge yourself more than others is part of this. A gymnast can only compete to the level prepared. I love it when the gymnasts share the joy of accomplishment regardless of whether the gymnast won a medal. They really support each other and to me this is one of the really important things about the Olympics - we are all fundamentally equal, and we all deserve respect for our efforts. Gymnastics embodies this at least as much as any sport. It is Olympism made real.
I really hope that this Olympic spirit is shared with the audiences in Brazil. Our gymnastics teams have a big job - not just to do their best gymnastics, but also to win over the crowd and reassure the world of their inimitable Russian charm and charisma. I have every confidence that they will succeed, and regardless of the medal count I think this will be a vintage Olympics for the Russians. Success through adversity!
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