Lithuania Punishes Athletes for Participating in a Tournament in Russia
The Lithuanian Strongmen Federation responded to the participation of two Lithuanian athletes in a competition held in Russia, stating that it does not support their actions. Since 2022, Lithuanian athletes have been officially advised not to take part in sporting events in the Russian Federation.
This was reported by lrt.lt.
At the Siberian Power Show tournament, held in Krasnoyarsk (Russia), two Lithuanians participated — Audrius Jokubaitis and Vilius Jokuzis.
Jokubaitis appeared on stage with the Lithuanian flag and finished in sixth place, while Jokuzis came last.
The federation reminded that since 2022, Lithuanian athletes are not recommended to participate in competitions in Russia. Additionally, since 2014, after the annexation of Crimea, Russian athletes have not been invited to strongman tournaments held in Lithuania.
According to the federation, Jokubaitis did not inform them of his decision to compete in Russia, and it was his personal choice.
Meanwhile, Jokuzis, who represented Iceland at this competition, is reportedly not affiliated with the Lithuanian Strongmen Federation and has never participated in tournaments organized by it.
The Lithuanian Strongmen Federation stated that it will no longer invite these athletes to its competitions.
The Climbing Federation previously allowed Russians who had traveled to Crimea to participate as “neutral” athletes.
