Les Bleus are not qualified yet for the Olympic Games in Beijing but we asked Nikola his opinion about the current events around the relay of the Olympic Torch and generally about the Olympic Games in Beijing. Read more in the following interview.
- What do you think about the agitation around the Olympic Torch Relay in Paris?
"I think that it is positive that the people realise the situation in China and the disrespect of the human rights in this country. But I find that the sport is taken as hostage with all this protests and agitations around the Olympic Torch Relay in Paris. Although, it is not so terible that the torch relay was interrupted...Anyway, the situation in China is not new and all had to manifest themselves earlier. I got a bit the impression of a certain hypocrisy and even this consciousness of the facts came late, it is anyway good. But that must be not transformed in to a ´mode´. To be very sincere, I think that it would have never been allowed to concede China the organisation of the Olympic Games. The situation about the human rights there was already known and acknowledged. Maybe they think that the situation will ameliorate..."
- Are your concerned about everything that happens around the Olympic Games?
"Of course, I am concerned and even more than this! My aim this season, other better said, in this last four years is to take part again to the Olympic Games and to win them! So, I am as concerned as all the others athletes which express themselves on this issue."
- What do you think about the badge that the French delegation chosed to wear in China?
"I didn´t saw much about this thing with the badge. I don´t think too much about it, we will not change too much with this badge, this is true. And in my opinion there are not the athlets who must change the things, but the politicians. We will be there to give an example to the younger athletes. And I don´t like when the politics interfere in the sport, but unfortunately it is always more often the case..."
- Do you agree with a boycott against the Olympic Games in China?
"No, I don´t agree on a boycott. Probably for the athletes the Olympic Games are the most beautiful that exist. It is great. So, no to a boycott. "
- Have you already played in China?
No, I was never there. When our National Team went there for a tournament last year, I remained home to repose myself."
Answers collected by Segy
