Russian and Belarusian athletes are given the chance to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics under certain conditions, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In March, the IOC introduced a plan for the participation of these athletes, with a focus on individual athletes rather than entire teams.
The IOC banned the display of national symbols like flags, anthems, and colors for these athletes at the official events and venues. The aim was to ensure the games' neutrality, considering the ongoing conflict between Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.
The eligibility criteria for athletes from these two countries are stringent. They must not support the war on Ukraine and have no ties to the military or security agencies. Athletes must meet these conditions and comply with the qualification process for individual sports.
The IOC launched a special commission to assess each Russian and Belarusian athlete's eligibility for the Olympics. Once approved by international federations and the IOC's panel, athletes will be registered as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs), not competing as part of a national team.
Not all athletes from these countries are in favor of participating under these conditions. Wrestlers from Russia, for example, have refused to attend, while Belarusian athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya disavowed her national team due to government involvement in the conflict.
The decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete has faced criticism. Some athlete rights groups believe it strengthens Russia's propaganda machine. Nonetheless, the IOC maintains that resolving the concerns of individual athletes while respecting human rights is a long-established practice.
