Alexander Kolobnev: if the Russian Olympic Committee showed its interest and made a certain pressure, the situation with the Olympic bronze medal in Beijing could have been solved in my favor long ago

One of the most experienced Russian cyclists, the medalist of the two latest World championships Alexander Kolobnev hasn’t still received the bronze medal of the Olympic Games-2008 in Beijing, which must be awarded to him after doping disqualification of the silver medalist David Rebellin (Italy). Alexander Kolobnev described his situation in detail to the editor of the Agency of sport information “All Sport” Natalia Maryanchik.

- The case with the Olympic medal has been dragged out, and frankly speaking, it became tiresome for me, - Alexander Kolobnev noticed. - Recently I have sent the inquiry to the International Cycling Union (UCI) to clear up the situation. I didn’t ask to give the medal to me, I just wanted them to explain the situation - what is going on. In October, 17 the International Olympic Committee (IOC) disqualified David Rebellin, who was second at the Olympic Games. On October, 27, if I am not mistaken, there was an announcement in the Italian media, that Rebellin returned the medal and prize money. But the UCI president Pat McQuaid answered me that it is not true. Rebellin has returned neither medal, nor money. So, everything written in the Italian media turned to be just PR.

- What did they answer to you in the UCI about the medal?
- They told me that UCI can’t change the results of the race yet, it is the case of the IOC. And I don’t understand their position. Why did they disqualify the athlete, but not change the result of the race? It turns out that I am learning everything from the media. So, they wrote that the IOC was going to return the medal after the decision of the Court Arbitration of Sport in Lausanne, where Rebellin appealed against his disqualification. But, I don’t understand, why we need to wait for the court’s decision. He was disqualified. What else do they need to change the results of the race? I think that if the Russian Olympic Committee showed its interest and made pressure, everything would have been solved in my favor long ago.

- But the Russian officials aren’t interested in your case?
- Absolutely not. Perhaps, the point is that my problem is more political. We all know that in such cases this or that way the power of the country, its influence on the international level is being reflected. And Russia in this case hasn’t made any activity at all.

- Have you discussed this situation with the ROC President Leonid Tyagachev, or anybody from the management?
- I don’t have opportunity to contact somebody from the management of the ROC. I tried to contact the Russian Cycling Federation. In answer they just dissolved hands and did nothing. But all these managers are the people, who must provide our preparation to the Olympic Games. But from Russia I received nothing for preparation to the Olympic Games and the World championships! Everything I received - were the grants of “The Russian Olympians Foundation”. But the Foundation isn’t a State structure, and it turns out to be that the State again did nothing for our preparation. That’s why it is certainly very pleasant for me when I come up on the podium, and the flag rises in my honor and the national anthem of my country sounds. But when after this the officials begin reporting, that it were they who prepared me, I feel uncomfortable.

- “The Russian Olympians Foundation” presented the cars to the medalists of the Olympic Games in Beijing, and the State paid prize money. Did you receive anything from this?
- As soon as they announced about disqualification of Rebellin, I saw an article, that I should receive 40 000 dollars, a car and something else. May be someone has received all these things, but I got nothing. Once again all these announcements remained just a PR action. And absolutely other people support and develop sports, far away from all this noise.

- Sure, it is more pleasant to receive the Olympic medal on the podium at the Olympic Games, than two years later just in a box.
- Yes, it is undoubtedly, it is out of discussion at all. You just imagine - you are standing on the podium near a great China Wall, or some time later you just pull it out from someone’s hands… But there is another thing important for me. It would be a pleasure for me, if in such case I feel the interest and support from the State and sport officials. Then, after receiving the bronze Olympic medal, I could realize, that respect has been shown to me as to the athlete of a high level.