Lala Kramarenko (Russia)
Sport: Rhythmic Gymnastics
Status: Honoured Master of Sports of Russia, member of the Russian national team
In October 2024, Lala Kramarenko, a member of the Russian national team and a highly decorated athlete, took part in a propaganda video produced by the organisation Zdorovoe Otechestvo to congratulate Vladimir Putin on his birthday.
The organisation Zdorovoe Otechestvo has been officially identified by Ukrainian intelligence services as being involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children and has been added to Ukraine’s sanctions list for supporting Russian aggression. Kramarenko’s participation in a public campaign organised by this entity constitutes direct involvement in state propaganda and support structures linked to crimes against Ukrainian civilians.
Such actions are incompatible with the requirements imposed on neutral athletes and directly contradict the principles of political neutrality and ethical responsibility in international sport.
Sources:
– Propaganda video featuring Lala Kramarenko:
https://youtu.be/Pl-zo3PaqwQ?si=VD-RHOzp3ftPEcfJ
– Media coverage:
https://www.kp.ru/online/news/6028904/
– Zdorovoe Otechestvo listed as an organisation involved in child abduction:
https://war-sanctions.gur.gov.ua/en/kidnappers/companies/11460
– Presidential Decree on sanctions:
https://www.president.gov.ua/documents/7592023-48917
– Official letter of the Ministry of Youth and the Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation: