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As the crisis will come out in our country, said the President of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), four-time Olympic champion sabre fencer Stanislav Pozdnyakov. By the way, and Stanislav Alekseevich and of the correspondent “RG” that was not the first phone, and “live” interviews since the beginning of self-isolation. We still wore masks, and kept social distance, but the atmosphere and the answers to many questions conducive to a healthy optimism.

Stanislav Alekseevich, almost all athletes broke fees, schedules training for the new season. How is the process of withdrawal of members of the national team from the amber?

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: Slim training program for the Olympic games was broken when we together with all world community was plunged into a pandemic. But immediately from the moment the international Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the forced transfer Games for one year, we started working on how we properly and with the least losses to get out of this situation. In addition to the recommendations that gives us the CPS, there is also a schedule of preparation for the Olympics. It is the work of all sports federations. Now pre-dates the Olympics in 2021 from 23 July to 8 August. Is the updated Olympic qualification system. 57 percent of all licenses were distributed between countries and athletes to the coronavirus. The remaining 43 percent to be distributed in the next year. Everything will be mirrored: preliminaries, which were scheduled for April 2020, and will be held in April, but only a year later.

the Problem is that until next spring is formed by a large window, which is usually filled with competition preparation, control. The stages of world Cups, continental Championships, world Championships and Cups of Russia, and so on. Here in this part of the full sports calendar is lacking. I know that the international sports federations are working on this issue. I think that in the next month draft calendars will appear, and then we can talk about targeted, precise preparation for the Olympic games.

When can resume the competition?

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: On the situation today, suggesting that major international competitions will start somewhere in November. Because their conduct is necessary to ensure the participation of athletes and, therefore, open borders. These few months will just be spent on finding painless methods participants access to sporting facilities. Until that time, I think it makes sense to organize – again in cooperation with Federal and regional authorities – a series of competitions that would be worn by the all-Russian characteristic��. This work is being carried out in all our national federations.

I Want to emphasize that we first encounter such a problem, even if it sounds corny. In the world there is another manuals in which you can find answers to your questions. We rely on your experience, which is acquired almost on a daily basis online, as well as the experiences of our colleagues from partner national Olympic committees, which are constantly in touch and exchange information. The return of athletes to training process on the bases suggests that we are on the right track.

What sports have returned to centralized training?

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: each sport has its own specifics. Rhythmic and sports gymnastics, synchronized swimming first came to camp. For them, the loss of fitness daily with more prolonged return to form. There is discipline, if I may say so, less affected. Athletes can individually fill the gap until until a clear understanding to what exactly is start to prepare. You need a reference point, benchmarks.

There are those who are not in a hurry to pack?

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: Swimming, figure skating, rowing sports already working on the bases. Boxers and wrestlers are preparing to start a centralized job. Part of the federations while cautiously looking at this prospect. Stay on closed bases still requires adherence to a very strict regime of restrictions. So there are those who for the next month refused to go on this format of training. Athletes will continue to train independently. They too can understand. In many regions, the situation is improving, there is a possibility to train yourself in the open air. It helps and physical fitness to recover and normal way of life to lead, communicating with their families. All federations looking for the best option for themselves without any pressure, and the more coercion on the part of the ROC and Ministry of sports. Most importantly, the time until the Olympics we still have. The main task is to define clearly the training load so that the athletes came out at the peak for the Games.

Your older daughter Sophia following in your footsteps. She also sablistka. And already titled, the champion of the world. Youngest daughter Anna in basketball, the winner of the youth world championship. As they was training during the isolation?

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: In this transitional period, many athletes have focused on physical preparation. OFP is good because you can keep in shape at the place of residence. And if you use modern technology and videoconferenceand, it is possible to be constantly in touch with your teammates. It is clear that this is a forced behavior pattern of the athletes. But it works. I carefully look after their children, which in this mode do on a daily basis, sometimes twice a day. For them, as for many athletes, it is for the duration of the quarantine was the norm. And even some pros managed to find. But, of course, centralized training cannot be replaced. The advent calendar is one of the main motivators for everyone to get back to her.

Let’s talk about the financial side of the question. The sports Ministry has cut the budget for the second quarter of 7 billion rubles. IOC President Thomas Bach said that the priority is to reduce the cost and complexity of the Games. Whether the same trends in terms of funding our training programmes to Tokyo?

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: is Absolutely logical that the MST made such a decision. We’re almost three months did not conduct any competitions or training camps, that is, expenditure obligations of the same Ministry against the national teams were not in demand. But that is not to say that there are budget cuts in principle. We – I’m talking about OKR – operate in the framework of our program “Tokyo 2020”. At the final and most important step of the 4-year training to reduce funding inappropriate. Otherwise all that has been done before, may be ineffective. Yeah, had to quickly adjust the financial plan to optimize individual budget, somewhere squeezed, but promoting the preparation of our athletes at the Olympic Committee of Russia in priority. Part of the funds we flipped postponed to next year. Additionally, to assist sports federations allocated about 270 million rubles. The result is about 450 million rubles for the period from today until the end of the Games in Tokyo.

what will additional funding?

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: There are two key areas. First, payment for the services of foreign coaches and experts who will now work with our teams for a year longer. Second, if Games will be held within the timeline announced in Tokyo will be taken additional security measures. We do not exclude that Russian athletes will have to go to Japan for 14 days and serve the quarantine. For two weeks our entire Olympic team would be there to live and train. This is a very costly task.

Returning to the subject of optimization of the Games in Tokyo. What exactly is it?

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: we are Talking about the opening ceremonies and closing ceremonies flag raising at the Olympic village. Organizer�� suggest that some of the restrictions, such as social distancing, are released. Do not think that in Tokyo try to save money, they are doing everything to ensure the safety of guests and participants. The budget of the ceremony will remain, just less people will be able to see her live. As for the program, it was approved five years ago. Talking about removing some of the disciplines at the last moment, in my opinion, is not necessary. This is the fundamental thing that does not involve changes at the final stage.

If we talk about global aspirations of the IOC to reduce the cost of the Game, it reflected not on Tokyo, but rather in Paris, Los Angeles and so on. Of course, now the topic of cost reduction is becoming a trend. For example, the IOC recommends that the cities candidates to submit bids, in which at least 50 percent of the facilities have been built or are in a very high degree of readiness. This is a fundamental thing that can reduce the cost of hosting the Games and will allow more countries to participate in the bidding. The Olympics becomes more difficult from the point of view of financial stress. The number of applicants is shrinking. It is obvious that this trend IOC could not make. Therefore, taking steps that allow you to give more opportunities to different countries, including the African continent, participate in global projects.

One of the candidates for mayor of Tokyo stated that in the event of his victory in the elections that will be held in early July, and cancel the Olympics. How is this even possible and how such statements respond to the IOC?

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: I Believe that this statement is largely populist and is primarily aimed at domestic electorate. Attribute it to the race for votes. As for the possibility of cancellation of the Olympic games, it is obvious that in case of aggravation of the situation with coronavirus warranty of any kind does not exist. As for any other side this situation, all the risks – financial and other – is minimized, and the Games must pass in the designated time. As far as I know, the final decision will be made next spring. But I can say that all the Olympic sports community is trying to maintain a reasonable optimism in this situation and to follow the line, which is scheduled.

whether in an optimistic mood about the performance of the Russian team in Tokyo under the state flag? Last fall you said that the OCD will do everything in his power.

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: Our position is absolutely unchanged. We proceed from the fundamental document – the Olympic Charter and are convinced that you can not no other way to interpret events and make decisions in relation to those to��th subject to its jurisdiction. Is the main document which stipulates the rights and obligations of NOCs and athletes. The ROC is a full member of the Olympic movement, in our address there is no accusation and suspicion. The Russian Olympic Committee all its duties in accordance with the Charter regularly performs and enjoys all the rights that it guarantees. Therefore, we are preparing to form a team that will compete in Tokyo under the Russian tricolor.

Process WADA against RUSADA has been rescheduled for November. How will this impact somehow on the Russian side?

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: Yes, the timing is shifted. I wouldn’t call it an advantage for us, but the negative effects do not see. Lawyers have more time to prepare for the debate. I can not say more. According to the clarification from the court of arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, any kind of comments on the details of the process can be made only by agreement with the Secretariat of CAS. We, on the other hand, approaches it in a disciplined manner.

the all-Russian athletics Federation facing complete exclusion from the World Athletics in default of payment of a fine in the amount of $ 5 million until July 1. WA has refused wfla in deferred payment. You also made a statement that OKR will not be able to help you.

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: First of all, OCD for the past year and a half has already had a wfla serious help and support. We are trying our best to fight for the rights of our athletes. And, if you remember, about a year ago from WA, it was decided to allow to participate in the Olympic games our athletes in the Olympic team of Russia, that is under the national flag. In fact, this is a very important achievement of our sports diplomacy. Which has been destroyed “Lysenko affair”. We helped wfla and after the sports Ministry suspended the operation of its accreditation. The ROC responded quickly, took care of all financial expenses. During the month we spent the winter championship of Russia, a major tournament in Moscow for their money. And most importantly – provided a legally legitimate conduct of the extraordinary election conference, without which wfla today would not exist. Let me remind you, it was about the complete the exception of WA and revocation of accreditation by the Ministry of sports that would entail the automatic exclusion of the members of the ROC.

the Situation was critical. The conference eventually took place, was chosen the new leadership. What is important is not having any relation to past scandals, abstracted from any doping stories and suspicions. It was a key and very stringent criterion. In order to give the opportunity to wfla after the election to return to dialogue with WA. After the conference, all control was perEdan new management, we have no right to interfere in current Affairs of the Federation, accreditation of which has been restored. We continue to help, in terms of legal advice and hope that the work of the new leadership in the future will result, which will restore the rights of wfla in World Athletics.

But the athletes can’t wait. What will happen to their neutral status and ability to speak? How can be resolved the situation?

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: From my point of view, you need to very clearly understand that the status of the Federation in this particular case is one thing, and rights of the athletes is another. World Athletics just trying to reconcile it into a single knot of problems, actually using athletes as hostages of the situation and trying to exert tremendous pressure not only on wfla, but also to other organizations. I think it’s not very fair. To prevent the net from all points of view of athletes to participate in competitions, therefore, violate their basic right. Because of the competition for athletes and they competed and delighted the audience. Not to solve any organizations their short-term issues.

here is an example. International Boxing Federation (AIBA) suspended for today due to various reasons. There is a whole range of problems, from Finance to charges in the controversial refereeing. AIBA consists of national federations, they are also removed, but the boxers will compete at the Olympic games. IOC gives an unambiguous signal. Athletes must participate in competitions. I hope that the same approach, the international Olympic Committee will demonstrate in the case of the Russian athletes.

the President of the club, Mr. Yurchenko now asks for a delay in the payment of the fine. He did not refuse to meet this condition. The Federation is an Autonomous public organization. She earns on sponsorship contracts, investments and sponsorships. But if the athletes are not allowed to start, how wfla to monetize their activities, to attract additional commercial funds?! World Athletics definitely could reconsider its position in terms of admission of athletes and issues with wfla would continue in the framework of the roadmap, without speculating on the lives and careers of athletes.

unrest in our biathlon. Your attitude to the ongoing conflict in SBR?

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: failure is an orphan. As soon as there is a failure in athletic performance, begins the search for the guilty. Immediately attempt to change the coaching staff. A year later it happens all over again, because there is no systematically planned work at least a four-year cycle. I saw a similar situation. As soon as cahardand in the coaching staff, the result is not wait. Do not give an assessment to any of the participants in the events. They are all adults with their positions, are able to understand. Nevertheless wish colleagues worked strategically for the future. Working contacts we certainly support. At SBR a lot of interesting, influential people, who, no doubt, live for sport and love their sport. Perhaps the negative sentiment sometimes occurs due to excessive ambition in that moment, when it is vital to play together as a team. Consolidation of the biathlon community could unambiguously contribute to the growth of sports results and to create a positive atmosphere.

Another problem globally Federation weightlifting (IWF). The bar can exclude from the Olympic program. It’s a shame to lose such medalyami and spectator sport. And can such a move, in your opinion, to be effective?

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: Itself is a matter of concern and regret. Still weightlifting was very popular in the Soviet Union and popular in Russia. And you’re right, it’s medalyami look. So we are anxiously watching what is happening there, with the results of the investigation and its results.

You enter the IOC Commission on the Olympic program. What’s the latest relatively new Olympic sport?

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: In Tokyo, as you know, in the Olympic program back softball and baseball. Will also feature new types of sport climbing, skateboarding, surfing. Come disciplines is quite interesting from the point of view numbers, but has not yet won a permanent place in the Olympic program. The IOC regularly monitor all sports – how many members, how many spectators at the competitions, what is the coverage of the audience through television broadcasts. A systematic approach creates a rating, based on which program is formed. In Tokyo it is unprecedented expanded. Why wait for other innovations in the summer program of Games is not worth it. Now is the development of a program for Paris in 2024. It will be different from Tokyo, but not dramatically. One of the sports will be replaced.

the IOC also plans to fix the quota of participants. In Tokyo arrive about 11 thousand athletes with a gender balance that will be implemented for the first time. The purpose of the IOC for the Games in Paris – 10 500 people. Can be revised a separate discipline within sports. The work of our Commission will be completed in December this year. We will give recommendations and will decide on the programme of the Games in 2024.

What do you think about eSports? Its representatives argue that the Olympics has no interest, and the future for them.

Stanislav Pozdnyakovin: We are talking about spectator interest and a certain age group of people. Traditional sports, eSports are not replaced. Though, because by the laws of nature for the harmonious development of the person requires physical activity. It in e-sports often do not.

Yes, there are certain types that are associated with the simulators. And they were in demand during a pandemic. Cyclists, triathletes participated in online competitions. The experience of the pandemic has shown that this option can be used virtual to overstep and not to incur financial costs. But, of course, a full replacement of competitive sports can not be called.

In my opinion, these two models – traditional and e – sports are developing in parallel. Each has its own audience, its marketing appeal. Perhaps in the future between them will be a symbiosis. But traditional sport just will from our lives will not go away.

If we talk about the fundamental principles of Olympism, now widely discussed the possibility of lifting 50 the rules of the Olympic Charter (the prohibition of political, religious or racial character). The IOC is strongly against.

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: Support. It’s one of the fundamental articles. We aim to reduce the influence of any political and any other influence recurring and often variable external factors on Olympism, which is based on such permanent and universal values like friendship, respect, equality, the pursuit of excellence. These are the ideals for which millions of people, regardless of colour, nationality or gender, play sports, And make, for example, political slogans or racial divisions in the field of peaceful sporting competition, from my point of view, wrong. Sport is outside politics. And the IOC is an organization that by its very existence is a conductor of ideas about equal opportunities for all people. It is not accidental that one of the main slogans of the International Olympic Committee unity in diversity.

June 23 – international Olympic day. As we celebrate this holiday? What is coming to this date the Olympic movement?

Stanislav Pozdnyakov: We will celebrate the occasion in a wide range: well-known sportsmen, people who share the Olympic principles and values, the fans. Even today, all training and events will be held in online format, but we’ll still be together. Believe that the complexity of the last three months only unite the Olympic family, has brought us all closer together. Online the boundaries are erased as anywhere else. Worldwide, the international Olympic day will be celebrated today at the same time. In different years, depending on the capabilities of the organisers��s, events were held throughout the month. Now, for the first time in modern history, different countries and continents all festive events will take place in one day. We have prepared a big program online. Sincerely hope that next year we will celebrate Olympic day with you within a large mass sports events, which always organizes OCD.

Born on 27 September 1973 in Novosibirsk. The sabre started in nine years. During his career, became a four-time Olympic champion, 10-time world champion, 13-time European champion.

Since 2012, is part of the Executive Committee of the International fencing Federation. In 2016, was elected President of the European Confederation of fencing.

the Olympic Committee of Russia headed in 2018.

Member of the Hall of fame of the International fencing Federation (2014).

the Honored master of sports of the USSR (1992) and Russia (1996).

the Lieutenant Colonel of Armed forces of the Russian Federation (2007).

Awarded the order of Honour (1997), “For merits before Fatherland” IV degree (2001) and Friendship (2006). Awarded the medal “For merits before Fatherland” II degree (2017).

winner of the prize of the Federation of sports journalists of Russia “Silver DOE” in 2007.

*This is an extended version of the text published in the “RG”

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Jennifer Alvarez is an investigative journalist and is a correspondent for European Union. She is based in Zurich in Switzerland and her field of work include covering human rights violations which take place in the various countries in and outside Europe. She also reports about the political situation in European Union. She has worked with some reputed companies in Europe and is currently contributing to USA News as a freelance journalist. As someone who has a Masters’ degree in Human Rights she also delivers lectures on Intercultural Management to students of Human Rights. She is also an authority on the Arab world politics and their diversity.