International Olympic Committee OKs participation of Russian athletes in Winter Olympics
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made a significant decision regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. The athletes will be allowed to compete, but under a neutral flag, due to ongoing sanctions related to the Ukraine war.
The IOC's decision, made after its executive meeting in Milan, comes as a response to the ongoing aggression against Ukraine. As a result, Russia will not be able to participate in team events such as ice hockey and curling at the Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
The same restrictions apply to athletes from Russia's ally Belarus. The national anthems of Russia and Belarus will not be played at the Winter Games, and the display of national symbols at the Olympic venues is prohibited for both countries.
Russian biathletes are allowed to participate only as neutral athletes, without national symbols or anthems. Team competitions are excluded for Russia, and the participation of individual athletes is subject to the approval of the respective international sports federations under IOC sanctions.
The world governing bodies for bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge have banned Russian athletes from competing in the Olympic ice track in Cortina. However, the International Skating Union is allowing Russians to compete in figure skating, speed skating, and short track under certain conditions for the qualifying competitions.
The International Ski Federation has not yet discussed the possibility of allowing Russians and Belarusians to compete in alpine skiing, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, and Nordic combined.
The IOC's decision to allow neutral athletes is a violation of the Olympic Charter, as the body considers it a breach of the principle of political neutrality. The increased pressure to pave the way for the return of Russians and Belarusians as neutral athletes is due to their success in winter sports and the doping scandal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
The sanctions against Russia and Belarus are not new. The IOC had previously suspended Russia's Olympic Committee because it had recognized the four Ukrainian territories of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Saporischschja.
The IOC will soon issue a statement on the many conflicts around the world, with a focus on sport standing up for peace. Medals won by Russians and Belarusians will not be included in the medal tally. Despite the restrictions, a small number of athletes from both countries are expected to participate in Italy.
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