Olympic Games: International Sports Bodies Advocate for Russian Athletes' Participation
In a plea to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the governing bodies of international summer sports and continental federations of National Olympic Committees push for Russian athletes eligible for the 2024 Paris Olympics to compete under their qualification. These athletes have been registered under a neutral flag. The IOC needs to make a quick judgment on the matter, the federations petitioned during the Olympic Summit in Lausanne.
President Thomas Bach and the IOC leadership underscored that participation of Russian and Belarussian athletes would only be feasible under stringent requirements. Athletes might be able to participate in Paris as individual competitors with no military or security service association, yet as a part of a team is out of the question.
Belarus's Exclusion also Applies
Russia's military campaign against Ukraine is the origin of the exclusion of both countries from international sports events. The IOC originally excluded Belarus as well, given its support for Russia in the conflict. However, the IOC then revised its stance, reopening the door for Russian and Belarusian participation in competitions.
A number of federations have followed the IOC's footsteps, enabling Russians and Belarusians to reenter the competitive stage in recent months. The International Paralympic Committee, for instance, lifted its complete ban on Russia in September, allowing disabled athletes from the country to participate in the Paralympics in Paris under a neutral flag.
Enrichment Data Integration:
In its recent decision, the IOC has granted Russian and Belarusian athletes permission to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics under a neutral flag, subject to specific conditions.
- Neutral Participation: Athletes must meet certain eligibility criteria to participate as "Individual Neutral Athletes" (AINs), excluding those supporting the war on Ukraine or having ties to the military or national security agencies.
- Exclusion from Team Events: AINs will not participate in team events and will not display national flags, anthems, or colors during the Olympics.
- Eligibility Requirements: Athletes need approval from their sports' international federation and the IOC's panel, plus adherence to strict eligibility conditions.
- International Federation Decisions: Some federations have eased their rules, such as the International Wrestling Federation, which allows Russian athletes to compete under the UWW flag instead of a neutral banner.
- Criticism and Concerns: Several countries, like those in the Baltic region and Poland, criticize the decision for legitimizing Russia's actions, allowing sport to distract from military aggression. Ukraine and other nations share similar opinions, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for war crimes.
- Security and Military Ties: The IOC rules out athletes with military or national security agency associations. This procedure aims to prevent sport's utilization for propaganda purposes.
