Igor Tsvetov fundamentally ignored athletes from the aggressor state on the podium.
Ukrainian track and field athlete Igor Tsvetov refused to be photographed with two “neutral” Russian athletes on the podium 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
On Monday, September 2, Tsvetov won gold in the 100-meter dash (class T35). In the final, he beat three “neutral” para-athletes with Russian passports, two of whom, Artem Kalashyan and Dmitry Safronov, won silver and bronze medals.
In honor of our athlete's victory, the Ukrainian anthem was played at the awards ceremony, and a blue and yellow flag was raised.
After the award ceremony, Tsvetov refused to be photographed with his rivals from the aggressor state, which continues to wage a war of conquest against Ukraine.
After the finish, the Ukrainian champion commented on his victory and made a clear statement about Russian para-athletes at the Games in Paris.
“This race was fundamental, because Ukraine's position is unchanged – only victory, only forward. Thanks to all the fans and good luck to everyone. And to our military – patience and victories.
Let them be themselves, they know where their place is. We have proven where they should be. We are strong, invincible and will work only for victory,” Tsvetkov said in a comment to Suspilna Sport.
For Tsvetkov, this is already the third Olympic gold in his career. He also triumphed in Rio 2016 in the 100 and 200 meters.
In total, Igor now has five medals at the Paralympics. In addition to gold medals, the Ukrainian also won two silver medals at Tokyo 2020.
It should be noted that at the 2020 Paralympics, which took place in 2021 in Tokyo, the Ukrainian also refused to take a joint photo with the Russians. Tsvetkov explained that he did this out of respect for our country.
After the fifth day of competition at the 2024 Paralympics, the Ukrainian team is in tenth place in the medal standings, having won 35 awards – 5 gold, 12 silver and 18 bronze. In terms of the number of medals won, our team is in fifth place.
The Paralympic Games in Paris will last until September 8. Ukraine is represented by 140 athletes competing in 17 sports. This is a record number of sports in the Paralympic history of Ukraine.
