Russian athletes outraged by sanctions: Tikhonov compared the bans to the bombing of Hiroshima.

Aleksandr Tikhonov criticizes Finland's refusal to allow Russian athletes

According to inkorr.com: Four-time Olympic champion in biathlon Aleksandr Tikhonov expressed his outrage over Finland's decision to ban Russian athletes from competitions. He doubts the genuine friendly relations between the countries and drew parallels between Finland's refusal and the bombings of Hiroshima in 1945.

“I would turn this country of cursed Chukhons into Hiroshima. It will be a lesson for all other countries. We need to think about sports, not politics. They have mixed everything up. I have said since the times of the USSR that we have no friends except soldiers and sailors. And we thought that Finland, the Baltics – were our friends and brothers. I always knew it wasn’t so. Here we are, we have waited.”

Freestyler Anastasia Tatalina outraged by refusal to participate

Political complications also affected Russian freestyler Anastasia Tatalina, who wants to participate in the 2026 Olympics. She expressed her anger to the International Ski and Snowboard Federation due to the participation ban, noting her military affiliation and support for her country's actions. Tatalina received a telegram from President Putin, but her activity on social networks, where she supports Russia’s military actions, sparked mixed reactions from the public.

The situation surrounding Russian athletes continues to remain tense on the international stage. Bans on participation in competitions due to political circumstances provoke lively discussions about sports and politics as well as affecting the future of athletes who aspire to compete in world tournaments. The athletes' reactions reflect their feelings and the challenges they face in conditions of international isolation.