Former tennis world No.3 pleas for bans as Russian athletes' lives 'can't continue as normal'

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Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has called for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be banned from the 2024 Olympics.

The former world number three posted a statement on social media, calling for the organisers of the upcoming Paris Games to “stick” to bans that have followed Russia’s war on Ukraine.

In her impassioned post, Svitolina has said the athletes’ lives “cannot continue as normal” due to the “heinous acts of their governments.”

This isn’t the first time the 28-year-old has called for action against Russian and Belarusian athletes.

Last year, she called for bans across all international tennis tournaments unless the individuals denounced Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

Now, Svitolina is pushing for more to be done.

What did Elina Svitolina say?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 19: Elina Svitolina of the Ukraine reacts in her second round singles match against Harmony Tan of France during day three of the 2022 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)© Provided by Give Me Sport

The Ukrainian believes that banning Russians and Belarusians from competing at the Olympics will “send a strong message worldwide” to show unity.

“The Olympics are the biggest dream and ultimate privilege for athletes. They are the largest platform for inclusion and diversity in sports, capturing the attention of the world,” she wrote.

“With this in mind we must stick to banning Russian and Belarusian athletes, sending a strong message worldwide, that we are united in the sanctions imposed against Russia and Belarus.

“There are consequences for the heinous acts of their governments; their lives cannot continue as normal and the world, nor the Russian or Belarusian people can be ignorant of the atrocities they are committing in Ukraine.”

Svitolina then mentioned Volodymyr Androshchuk, a 22-year-old Ukrainian decathlete who was killed in combat with Russia after volunteering for the military.

Those close to Androshchuk have also urged for Russia to be excluded from the Olympics, as their friend never got the chance to compete.

“He will never fulfil his potential or dreams at the Games, so why should Russian and Belarusian athletes get their chance when their governments are robbing innocent people and athletes of their chance?!” Svitolina continued.

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