Medal Confirmation Moment 'Middle Finger' Insult... Russian Olympic Committee Athlete Sparks Controversy Again

Victory Celebration After Team Pursuit Semifinal Win
"It Was Not a Meaningful Action"

Danil Aldoshkin (Russian Olympic Committee) celebrating by raising his middle finger after winning the men's team pursuit semifinal in speed skating on the 15th. / Photo by AP News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Yeeun] Daniil Aldoshkin (21), a speed skating athlete from the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), has sparked controversy by raising his middle fingers in a celebration after winning the men's team pursuit semifinal at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

On the 15th, Daniil Aldoshkin crossed the finish line in the men's team pursuit semifinal at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and raised both middle fingers.

Immediately after the race, Aldoshkin explained in an interview with Russia Today, "I just raised my hands," adding, "It was my first Olympics and my first medal. It was not an action with any particular meaning. I apologize if it hurt anyone."

His teammate Ruslan Zakharov also defended him, saying, "Speed skating is a race against time, not against opponents," and "(The finger gesture) was purely an emotional reaction."

In response, the Russian Skating Federation stated, "It was an action with no meaning beyond a moment of joy," and "It was a very happy day for the Russian team."

They continued, "The emotions burst out after setting an Olympic record in the semifinals," and apologized, saying, "Some may interpret this situation differently. We are sorry if it caused discomfort."

Meanwhile, ROC won the team pursuit semifinal against the United States to advance to the final, and later won the silver medal in the final against Norway with a time of 3 minutes 40.46 seconds.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.