The “Swallow from Volgograd” retired seven years ago. This after she was elected to the IOC’s active committee.
“Since 2016, I have been a member of the International Olympic Committee, where I actively work with my colleagues, prominent athletes from around the world, for the benefit of the development of sports,” writes Isinbayeva on Instagram.
Investigated by ethics commission
“The IOC needed time to sort everything out. Today I can inform you that in September 2023 I will resume my international activities in the IOC. The IOC does not doubt me and I am not under any kind of sanctions.”
In March, the IOC’s ethics commission investigated Isinbayeva’s membership in the IOC, with the aim of stopping people who support the war in Ukraine or have connections to the Russian military.
Got to keep membership
At the end of June came the IOC’s announcement; Isinbayeva, who in addition to double Olympic gold also has a Russian army rank, is allowed to keep her membership.
This is despite the fact that the former pole vault queen has, among other things, been stated to have a role in the Russian Ministry of Defense.
“Until 2018, I competed for CSKA Moscow (Russian Army Club) and was awarded many titles for my sporting achievements. The titles being talked about have no meaning because I do not belong, and never have belonged, to the armed forces of the Russian Federation. In the same way that I have never been a deputy in the State Duma or a member of any party. My profession is sports,” writes Isinbayeva.