When it comes to artistic swimming, Russia is an Olympic powerhouse. They've won every event at the last six games, but they won't be taking any golds home this time. As a nation, Russia has been banned after invading Ukraine. Yes, of course. So instead of winning medals, the team's boss is trying to win the argument. This is an unfair and discriminatory a decision against our athletes.

Around the world, we can all see and know very well that there are many different conflicts going on. But for some reason, it was only Russian athletes who have to bear these sanctions.

Maya Deroško would have been on the team, but now, he's on holiday.

I was very bitter because I've been working towards the Olympics all my life. It's the highest award in my sport. I was climbing the mountain and was pushed down.

Who do you blame for Russia being banned from the Olympics?

The International Olympic Committee is behind everything.

There will still be some Russian athletes like tennis star, Danil Medvedev. They're allowed to compete as neutrals without the Russian flag, but only if they don't support the war. Just 15 will be in Paris, and they've faced criticism back home, even described as foreign agents. Russia says that sport and politics should be kept separate, but they feel pretty closely aligned here. The athletes who aren't going to Paris have been paid compensation, and for the first time in 40 years, they won't be showing the Olympics on TV here. It seems like Russia's trying to turn this ban into a boycott. As an alternative, they're putting on events like this. Russia's first ever woman's football friendly against it's North Korea. Not exactly a sellout. And look at the colors of the stand, the Olympic rings. It's not easy to pretend the games don't exist. Of course, I think it's bad because we have a whole generation without the Games, and it's having an impact on the young. I madly want to compete at international events. I hope they lift the restrictions soon. One gets the sense she may be disappointed. Be disappointed. Iva Bennett, Sky News in Moscow.