Ukrainian Olympic alpine skier quits Sochi, blames Yanukovych for deaths on EuroMaidan http://www.kyivpost.com/

Ukrainian alpine skier Bogdana Matsotska and her father said they will not represent their national team in the Sochi Winter Games any longer because of the deaths on EuroMaidan.

Ukrainian Olympic alpine skier Bohdana Matsotska and her father posted a message on Facebook stating that they no longer will represent their nation’s team in the Sochi Winter Games over the bloody events on EuroMaidan and blamed President Viktor Yanukovych for bloodshed. 

Oleg Matsotskyy of Kosiv, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, Bogdana Matsotska’s father and trainer, said the two are “extremely angry at President Viktor Yanukovych’s latest actions who instead of resolving the conflict through negotiations (which we had hoped he would when we left for Sochi), has drenched the last hopes of the nation in blood. 

“In solidarity with the fighters on the barricades of the Maidan, and as a protest against the criminal actions made towards the protesters, the irresponsibility of the president and his lackey government, we refuse further performance at the Olympic Games in Sochi 2014.” 

Earlier, Ukraine Olympic Committee head Serhiy Bubka told Channel 5 in Sochi that he was “shocked” to hear of the Feb. 18 deaths after protesters clashed with police. 

He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and called on both sides “to return to the discussion table to preserve our wonderful country and nation, as well as peace on our land. The events (on EuroMaidan) troubles and concerns us all.” 

Kyiv Post editor Mark Rachkevych can be reached atrachkevych@kyivpost.com.

OATHBREAKERS

the Olympic

peace is broken, Putin said

shoot and Yannik shot

EDSBRYDERNE

den olympiske

fred er brudt, Putin sagde

skyd og Yannik skød

(Bjarne kim Pedersen)