Sport is not above politics: Two-time Olympian Vladimir Goncharov is fighting against Ukraine

Vladimir Goncharov, a former Russian Olympian and medallist at the World and European Championships, is serving in Russia's 1487th Motor Rifle Regiment and taking part in the war against Ukraine.

Source: Champion, Ukrainska Pravda sports-related project

Details: The former pistol shooter, who competed at two Olympic Games, serves as a deputy commander for political and morale work in one of the regiment's battalions, where he is responsible for the morale and psychological welfare of Russian troops.

The 1487th Motor Rifle Regiment is known for its disregard for personnel losses. In December 2023, it suffered heavy casualties during the fighting for Avdiivka. There have also been reports of soldiers being beaten and executed after refusing to take part in assaults.

The regiment has also taken part in attacks on residential areas and civilian infrastructure on the Pokrovsk front, actions that could constitute war crimes.

Vladimir Goncharov took up shooting as a sport at the age of 30. He won three bronze medals at the World Championships (2002, 2006 and 2014) and two silver medals at the European Championships (2001 and 2007). He also competed at the 2000 and 2016 Olympic Games.

He later worked as a shooting coach until he was conscripted in late 2022.

"I try to stay away from cameras whenever someone comes to film us. I'm a fairly well-known person in my sport. If I end up on camera somewhere, I think it will be the end of Russian sport. They'll say Russian athletes are also taking part in the war. We still haven't recovered from the doping scandal, and now this as well," Goncharov said after being mobilised.

Meanwhile, despite the participation of Russian athletes in the war, Russia has recently been steadily returning to international sporting competitions.

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