Russian swimmer claims to be singled out by FINA due to his Olympic success

Swimming’s governing body The International Swimming Federation (FINA) has begun disciplinary proceedings against Russian Evgeny Rylov.

Rylov was one of eight Russian athletes who appeared at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow for a pro-war rally, led by Vladimir Putin, on March 18.

The swimmer, who won two golds and a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games last summer, believes he’s been unfairly singled out by FINA.

“I think the whole point is that I am the world face of swimming and I have double demand,” Rylov said to Russian newspaper Sport Express.

“If it wasn’t for me on stage at Luzhniki, but for someone else from the swimmers, you might not even pay attention. At the Olympics I attracted increased attention, and now it is riveted to me in all aspects of life.”

He also recently lost a sponsorship deal with Speedo for his appearance at the rally.

In a statement released on March 23, FINA confirmed their investigation of Rylov.

“The FINA Executive confirmed that the FINA Disciplinary Panel has opened a procedure against Russian swimmer Evgeny Rylov for a potential violation of the FINA rules following his alleged participation in a pro-war rally at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. The FINA Executive has requested the panel’s proceedings be expedited.”

FINA has banned all Russian and Belarusian swimmers from competing in the upcoming World Championships this June and July in Budapest, Hungary.

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