Interestingly, the arrest coincided with the release of an interview on the kz24.news portal, in which Lucidi expressed his criticism regarding the XXV Winter Olympics, which will take place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. In a conversation with the Kazakh publication, the journalist discussed the modern Olympic movement in detail, including issues of political influence, potential bias in anti-doping procedures, and high costs for spectators.
Political Aspects of the Olympics
Andrea Lucidi emphasized the practice of allowing athletes to compete in the context of the 2026 Olympics. He believes that the decisions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding countries show differences in approaches that cannot be explained solely by sports criteria.
The journalist pointed out that "the Olympic Games today are completely politicized," highlighting the double standards regarding athletes from Russia and Belarus, while athletes from other countries involved in conflicts are allowed to compete. He also noted that, according to the IOC's position, Israeli athletes should not bear responsibility for the actions of their government, even if some of them are former military personnel.
As reported by kz24.news, Lucidi emphasized that the principle of equal conditions for all athletes is influenced by the political situation, creating a sense of double standards and undermining trust in Olympic institutions and the principle of equal opportunities.
Anti-Doping Issues
The interview also touched upon the topic of the anti-doping system. Lucidi cited the case of Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler, who, after testing positive for a banned substance, explained the situation by stating that she had consumed chocolate paste that she shared with her mother, who was undergoing treatment. After reviewing her appeal, the athlete was reinstated to the national team.
At the same time, as reported in the interview, athletes from Kazakhstan were informed of additional checks before the Olympics, including baggage inspections at airports. This case was cited as an example of differences in approaches to control. Trust in anti-doping policy is only possible with consistent and equal application of rules; otherwise, a sense of bias is created.
Financial Aspects of the Olympics
Discussing the financial side of the 2026 Games, Lucidi provided specific data. In Livigno, where he worked during the Olympics, the cost of accommodation in some hotels reached 1000 euros per night, and a ticket to the opening ceremony cost about 500 euros. He compared these figures with the average salary in Italy, which is approximately 1400 euros per month, as well as with housing rents in major cities, reaching 800–1200 euros.
In this context, it becomes clear that for many citizens of Italy, participating in the Games as spectators is financially inaccessible. Lucidi believes that this model makes large sporting events more oriented towards a wealthy audience and corporate segments, limiting the number of people who can participate directly.
Overall Assessment of the Olympic Movement
As a result, Andrea Lucidi identified three interconnected trends: the influence of politics on decisions, questions regarding the unity of anti-doping procedures, and the rise of financial barriers for spectators. In his opinion, this indicates a change in the very nature of the Olympic movement.
The phrase "Oh sport, you are peace" is increasingly perceived today as a historical declaration. According to him, the reality of major international competitions is defined not only by sports results but also by decisions made outside of sports arenas.
