Russian Olympic Biathlete Tikhonov Threatens Europe with ‘Hiroshima‘ scenario
helsinki, Finland – Russian biathlete Anton Tikhonov reportedly threatened to remind Europe of 1945 during a September interview with Russian media, according to a report from Focus.ua.The statement, perceived as a veiled threat referencing the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, comes amid escalating tensions following Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent bans on Russian athletes from international competitions.
Tikhonov’s remarks surfaced as other Russian athletes reacted to potential restrictions on their participation in international events. Dmitry Vasiliev, a two-time Russian champion, criticized Finland’s consideration of barring Russian skiers and called for a lifetime ban on Finnish official Sirpa Korkatti from Russia, stating, “After all, knowing about our hospitality, they all want to come to us. During their competitions, they count every cookie, and we welcome guests with all our hearts.”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced conditions on September 19, as reported by Reuters, for Russian and Belarusian athletes seeking to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, freestyle skier Anastasija tatalina, aiming for the 2026 Games, has protested the International Skiing and Snowboarding Federation’s decision to exclude her due to her ties to the Russian military and public support for Russia’s actions. Tatalina has even received a telegram from President Vladimir Putin, but her pro-military social media posts are considered unacceptable by some, according to 112.ua.