International Olympic Committee permits Russian athletes to participate in the Winter Games
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a series of restrictions for Russian and Belarusian athletes participating in the upcoming 2024 Winter Olympics, set to be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The decision comes in response to the ongoing attack on Ukraine, which has lasted more than three years. As a result, the national anthems of Russia and Belarus will not be played at the Winter Games, and the display of national symbols at Olympic venues is prohibited for them. Russian athletes will compete under a neutral flag, similar to the model used at the Paris Games. However, they will not be able to participate in team events such as ice hockey and curling. Only a small number of athletes from Russia and Belarus are expected to participate in the games. 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 (FIS) has not yet discussed the possibility of allowing Russians and Belarusians to compete in alpine skiing, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, and Nordic combined. In biathlon, the international federation has stated that the participation of neutral athletes is not possible. The international federations for bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge have banned Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing on the Olympic ice track in Cortina. In addition, medals won by Russians and Belarusians will not be included in the medal count at the 2024 Winter Olympics. The IOC had previously suspended Russia's Olympic Committee due to recognizing Ukrainian territories, which the IOC considers a violation of the Olympic Charter. The IOC plans to issue a statement on conflicts around the world soon, emphasizing sport's role in promoting peace. Sport is expected to stand up for peace, according to IOC President Kirsty Coventry. Belarusian athletes will also face the same restrictions as Russian athletes. The IOC is increasing the pressure to pave the way for the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes as neutral participants following the Paris Games model. The IOC plans to issue a statement on conflicts around the world soon, emphasizing sport's role in promoting peace. The attack on Ukraine has been a significant factor in the restrictions imposed on Russian and Belarusian athletes at the 2024 Winter Olympics. The hope is that the games can serve as a symbol of unity and peace amidst ongoing global conflicts.
