Olympic champ says coronavirus wiping out Tokyo 2020 is ‘God’s punishment’ for IOC banning Russia from Games – The Sun

THE axing of Tokyo 2020 is “God’s punishment” for the International Olympic Committee banning Russia from competing at the Games.

That's the incredible claim of Olympic champ Svetlana Khorkina.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

The Former gymnast, 41, was left infuriated after her nation were slapped with a four-year suspension from all global sport, including the World Cup 2022 and 2020 Olympics, following their recent doping scandals.

But the Tokyo Games have been pushed back a year as the deadly COVID-19 but continues to sweep the globe with over 22,000 deaths worldwide.

Euro 2020 has suffered the same fate, though Russia are still permitted to compete in European competition.

Khorkina astonishingly blasted the postponement of this summer's Games is karma for Russia being exiled.

She told Russian Sports Express: “I think this all happened because they shouldn’t have offended Russia, including our athletes.

“There is a reason why there is a line in our national anthem that says our land is protected by the Lord.

“It was unnecessary to start this political show when such a deadly virus is being spread all over the world.

“I think this was God’s punishment."

Khorkina is a nine-time world champion, having also won gold medals in the uneven bars at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta and defended her medal four years later in Sydney.

She is often regarded as one of the most successful gymnasts of all time.

Khorkina retired in 2004 and has held a position of deputy head of CSKA Moscow sports club since 2016.

Source: Read Full Article