Essentially Sports reports:
Government That Denied Visa to World Champion Breaks Silence Over Controversial Decision
The Netherlands’ decision to deny visas to three Russian gymnasts ahead of the 2026 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships has sparked controversy, with reigning world all-around champion Angelina Melnikova among those affected.
Obviously being denied a visa for political reasons is a tragedy for the Russian athletes.
But what is seldom mentioned is how these actions devalue the medals of those that are allowed to compete.
Imagine the men's Olympic sprints at 2008, 2012 and 2016 without Usain Bolt competing - banned because he is black or Jamaican or too tall?
How much would your gold medal signify when the world's best was not even competing?
This is a disgrace against gymnasts of all nations, not just Russia, who will now never be sure if they truly deserved their medals, after years of arduous training, because of some political decision by a Dutch government that calls its own people 'scum'.