Random Russia sh*t

[Amber]

That’s why I still don’t understand why melnikova is allowed to compete, she also participted in rallies , there is also proof of that and at the time she was an adult. She competes for an army club (right?) and she went into politics before making a comeback.
MC do you know why she is allowed to compete?

 

[MaryClare]

That’s why I still don’t understand why melnikova is allowed to compete, she also participted in rallies , there is also proof of that and at the time she was an adult. She competes for an army club (right?) and she went into politics before making a comeback.
MC do you know why she is allowed to compete?

I don’t know, I know that the RGF was a little surprised she was granted AIN status immediately.
I can only assume that the difference between Melnikova and Listunova is the ambiguity. There is a lot where Melnikova is concerned and none for Listunova.
As far as I’m aware, the only ‘charge’ against Listunova is her participation at a rally when she was under 18. I don’t think there is anything else she has said or done in life or on social media that would be an issue.
Melnikova to my knowledge has not participated in any political rallies but has appeared at victory day parades. Whilst while seem very militaristic, are a long standing commemoration of the end of WW2.

 

[Matilda23]

Didn’t Melnikova post a photo of herself at the parade, but in her hand was a program that had a Z on the cover page. I agree it’s ambiguous

 

[Aizheng]

They haven’t said, but I’d assume for the same reason it was denied first time.

Listunova’s situation is certainly interesting. There’s irrefutable proof of her participating in a rally that makes her ineligible for AIN status according to FIG rules. I am not aware of anything else she has said or done that would be a problem.

I guess her case rests on the question for how long is it acceptable to punish someone for something they did as a minor. If as a minor she had committed a fairly serious crime 4 years ago, she would have already served her punishment.

I don’t look at it as an individual “punishment”. There are rules in place. If the rules do not state anything regarding age, it is only correct for her to be excluded and not been given AIN status.

It does seem like they are pretty much sticking to the exact letter of the rule, not taking into account things that should also disqualify you but are not specifically mentioned, nor extenuating circumstances.

Should the rules be phrased better? Absolutely! Should melnikova be excluded? In my opinion, yes.

I think at minimum, AIN should not be able to field a team, and all AINs should be 2-per-ing each other instead of this weird AIN-1 and AIN-2 thing.

The fact that Putin was seriously celebrating Melnikova’s win should be disqualifying, in my opinion, at least until Ukraine and Russia are in a lasting ceasefire or peace.