Athletes from other countries treated Russian Paralympians with respect, thereby demonstrating that sport should be above politics. This was stated by State Duma Deputy Svetlana Zhurova in an interview with Vesti News Agency.
Zhurova noted that attempts were made to abolish Russia. However, the fortitude of Russian athletes cannot be abolished.
After all, they expected some boycotts. No, these were isolated incidents. In reality, athletes from other countries treated our athletes with respect. And they demonstrated that sport is above politics. And not only our athletes demonstrated this, but other athletes as well. Because courage, the hard work they put in, and their willpower will always be valued. These qualities are respected around the world, Svetlana Zhurova emphasized.
She also expressed hope that all Russian athletes will be able to compete internationally again in the near future.