TEMPO.CO, Sochi - Several members of the Ukrainian Winter Olympic team have decided to return to Ukraine as unrest edges toward civil war. The protests have so far resulted in the deaths of over 70 people, with police and the army using live rounds on crowds.
"I believe some of them have decided to return home and [Ukraine Olympic Committee president] Sergey Bubka has said he absolutely respects every individual's right to make their own decision," said International Olympic Committee spokesman Mark Adams, as quoted by Reuters. "I think his view was that the team should stay but equally he respects every athlete's decision to do what they think is best in the circumstances."
Ukraine, wining only one bronze medal so far, sent 43 athletes to Sochi.
REUTERS | AGUS BAHARUDIN