Olympic champions from Belarus and Russia convened for a roundtable discussion in Brest to explore the role of sport in strengthening international cooperation, preserving historical memory, and developing joint projects, BelTA learned.
Two-time Olympic rowing champion Yekaterina Karsten noted that due to sanctions many athletes have faced severe restrictions, including attempts to bar them from training and competitions. In response, Belarus and Russia have rallied together standing shoulder-to-shoulder in solidarity. "We travel to compete in Russia, they come to Belarus. For athletes, this created strong motivation - to participate, to win, to train together,” she noted. “I believe sport and politics should not mix. Athletes dedicate years of grueling training for an Olympic chance. Careers are short. Every competitor deserves that opportunity, yet some are being systematically denied this chance.”
The two-time Olympic champion added that athletes serve as de facto diplomats. "Through sport, people abroad discover Belarus and develop interest in our country,” she noted. “I remember when we arrived in Atlanta, many Americans did not even know where Belarus was. Our athletic achievements changed that - we became ambassadors making Belarus visible on the world map.”
The two-time Olympic champion added that athletes serve as de facto diplomats. "Through sport, people abroad discover Belarus and develop interest in our country,” she noted. “I remember when we arrived in Atlanta, many Americans did not even know where Belarus was. Our athletic achievements changed that - we became ambassadors making Belarus visible on the world map.”
“We are one great Olympic family. We train together at the same facilities and attend the same camps. Today, we take pride in the achievements, victories, and records of the new generation carrying forward our traditions. We will certainly explore hosting commemorative tournaments honoring Olympic champions in both Russia and Belarus, invite national teams for joint training camps, and identify ways to support emerging athletes, particularly Olympic prospects. Our mission is to instill in them a champion's mindset,' said David Musulbes, President of the Russian Athletes' Union.
Today, the athletes visited the Brest Hero Fortress memorial complex and laid flowers at the Eternal Flame to honor the defenders of the Motherland. Tomorrow they will meet with young athletes from the children’s and youth athletic schools. "I truly cherish these meetings with children - they’re the happiest days of my life, and I say that sincerely. You can see it in their eyes when, after just thirty minutes or an hour together, you’ve touched a young heart. These encounters with athletes inspire and motivate them. We’re their heroes, real-life role models. That’s why I never turn down such opportunities. It is hard to put the feeling into words sometimes, but this work matters,” said Olympic track and field champion Yuliya Nesterenko.
