“The case of Starostin brothers”: repressions in the Soviet sport, or Soviet sport morality

The article is devoted to the repressions in the Soviet sport during the 1930-1940-s, and the role of personal relations in their organization. It is emphasized that the confrontation of some influential people might entail serious consequences, explained by the situation in the Soviet society, as exemplified by the case of Starostin brothers. Currently there is an active study of various aspects of Stalin's terror, but some spheres, particularly sport, are still poorly studied. This fact substantiates the relevance of the subject under consideration.