The coach of the Ukrainian gymnastics team reacted to the scandalous interview of Kovtun.

Gennady Sartinsky, the head coach of the men's national team of Ukraine in artistic gymnastics, called Ilya Kovtun's interview "unpleasant." This information is reported by "Glavkom" with reference to "Suspilne Sport."

Kovtun, in his interview with Croatian media, complained about Ukrainians who, in his opinion, were not happy about his Olympic medal.

Gennady Sartinsky stated that he had not contacted Kovtun and had not reached out to him after the Olympics. He noted that Ilya said an unpleasant thing, especially considering Ukraine's contribution to his career. At present, it is highly likely that Kovtun will not be able to compete for the Ukrainian national team until 2025 due to the quarantine he must undergo upon changing citizenship. Despite this, Sartinsky stated that the hope for Ilya's performances at the continental championship in 2025 is small.

The coach explained that he wants to include Kovtun in the team, but it makes no sense if the gymnast does not want to compete for Ukraine. Sartinsky noted that Ilya could have participated in the World Cup, which took place in Osijek, Croatia, where he trains, but the gymnast refused to compete for the Ukrainian national team.

The head coach also emphasized that the confirmation of Kovtun's transition to another country is a matter of Time. He explained that when a gymnast receives new citizenship, he applies for a transfer to another federation, and the Ukrainian sports federation chooses what measures to apply to such an athlete. Sartinsky also noted that Kovtun became the third gymnast of the Ukrainian national team to leave the team after the 2024 Paris Olympics.

It should be noted that Ilya Kovtun explained in his interview his decision to compete under the Croatian flag.