Anton Shipulin, who previously represented Russia in biathlon, stated that he does not intend to return the gold medal won in the relay at the Sochi Olympic Games, even after the official disqualification of the Russian team.
The reason for the redistribution of medals was a doping case involving his relay partner, Yevgeny Ustyugov. As a result, the gold was awarded to the German team.
The athlete confirmed that he did not send his medal to the International Olympic Committee: "No, I fought for it. This is my medal, I will not give it back," he emphasized.
Shipulin added that he would consider the possibility of returning the award only if the neutral status for Russian athletes is lifted and national symbols are restored at international competitions.
The reaction from Germany was also noted: German biathlete Erik Lesser stated that the medal received by their team looks new and may not have been passed on by the previous holders.
It is worth noting that the redistribution of awards occurred a significant time after the Sochi Olympics, during investigations into doping violations.
