Russian swim star Kolesnikov ‘not sad’ to miss Olympics

Russian swimmer Kliment Kolesnikov takes part in the ‘Vladimir Salnikov Cup’ international swimming competition in Saint Petersburg on Dec 17, 2023. —AFP

SAINT PETERSBURG: Russian swimming star Kliment Kolesnikov is all about winning Olympic medals – but not at all costs.

The world record holder in the men’s 50m backstroke has vowed to sit out the Paris Games this year over the “unacceptable” conditions imposed on Russian competitors due to the assault on Ukraine.