Useless is right. Its been great to see Jenya training at Malek's gym, The Boiler Room in Canada, but it would be much better if she never had to leave her country in the first place. I'm so glad she stuck with climbing, and now she can use her platform to talk about the war and to make sure we don't lose sight of what is happening and never stop supporting Ukraine. Slava Ukraini!!❤
Her message at about the 16 minute mark was the best. Every time you climb Jenya, every comp you enter wearing the Ukraine colors, you send a message to Russia and the world: Ukraine is still standing!! You will prevail. Alex (and everyone) check out Metal Pilgrim on youtube and Steel Wings Foundation. Slava Ukraini!
I deeply sympathize with Ukraine and its people, understanding the immense challenges they are facing in the current situation. However, it's crucial to apply the same standards of equality and justice to everyone. Palestinians are enduring significantly harsher conditions, yet the IFSC has not taken similar actions against Israeli athletes as it has against Russian athletes. In fact, the IFSC recently held a competition in Israel. This inconsistency is troubling and needs to be addressed. The double standards displayed by many powerful individuals in the West against the people of Palestine are unfair. I witness my friends in Palestine trying to climb freely in their own land, only to be shot at and removed from their climbing spots. These climbers are simply trying to enjoy their sport in their area, both according to Israeli claims and historically before Israel existed, yet they face violence and displacement. How is this fair? Promoting the struggle of Ukrainians while ignoring the plight of Palestinians highlights a concerning bias. Again, this is not to diminish the hardships faced by Ukrainians, but to call attention to the need for consistent and fair treatment of all people. The world's actions should not reflect favoritism, racism, or any hidden agendas. Addressing these double standards is essential for justice and equality.
