Svetlana Ishmuratova Names the 'Ideal Athlete' for Russia's State Duma
Olympic Champion Tikhonov Eyed for Russia's Parliament Amid Patriotism Debate
Two-time Olympic biathlon champion Svetlana Ishmuratova has identified the kind of athlete she believes would be perfect for a role in Russia's State Duma, according to a report by Sport24.
The ideal candidate, she said, should be someone who can "teach everyone to love the Motherland." As an example, she cited Aleksandr Tikhonov, a four-time Olympic champion, praising his outspoken stance and what she called his "right" public statements.
Ishmuratova emphasized that Tikhonov should take a seat in the Duma.
Earlier, Svetlana Zhurova, an Olympic speed skating champion, criticized Alexei Mikhailichenko—a former player for Kyiv's Dynamo and the USSR national team—for what she described as a Russophobic remark. The footballer had referred to Russians as "scum."
