Putin meets with Russia's Olympic team, blames ‘shortsighted politicos’ for ruining sports

In a meeting today with Russia's Olympic team, Vladimir Putin said that the country's athletes have been the victims of a targeted campaign that uses double standards and collective punishment.

“Shortsighted politicos haven't even left sports alone—even though sports are meant to bring people together and smooth tensions between countries,” Putin declared.

Speaking to two-time Olympian Elena Isinbaeva, Putin wished her and the rest of the team luck, telling them to compete “so that the whole world shakes, and so Russia's national anthem never stops sounding out across the Rio Games.” 

Isinbaeva responded, “We believe in you very much, and we love you very much. Thank you for your support. We must punish everyone involved in this.”