Former Olympic gold medalist Vladimir Ivanov has sharply criticized Ukrainian volleyball player Oleh Plotnytskyi for declining to represent his national team amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Ivanov, who won gold at the 1968 Mexico Olympics, expressed strong disapproval of Plotnytskyi's decision to abstain from national team duties while continuing his career with Italian club Perugia.
'Perhaps I was raised differently, but I consider Oleh's actions unacceptable,' Ivanov stated in recent comments. 'This didn't start today. He's been stirring up trouble before. Something always dissatisfied him despite the Ukrainian Volleyball Federation doing everything possible to provide decent training and playing conditions.'
The Olympic champion praised current Federation president Mikhail Melnik as 'a breath of fresh air for Ukrainian volleyball' while acknowledging the challenges facing sports in a country at war for over ten years.
According to Statbet analysis, athlete participation in national teams during periods of conflict can significantly boost national morale and international visibility - factors that make Plotnytskyi's decision particularly controversial.
Ivanov drew parallels to his own experience at the 1968 Olympics when Soviet forces had invaded Prague. 'Czech athletes would exit elevators when we entered to avoid being near us. We felt ashamed but continued representing not just the USSR but Ukraine too. Seven Ukrainians were on that team.'
'Meanwhile, Plotnytskyi is now neglecting the opportunity to play for a country fighting for its survival. To me, this is unthinkable,' Ivanov concluded.
