IOC Allows Russian and Belarusian Athletes to Compete in 2024 Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that athletes holding Russian or Belarusian passports will have the opportunity to compete in the 2024 Olympics. However, they will do so under strict eligibility conditions, as stated by the organization on Friday.

Competing as Individual Neutral Athletes

Athletes who have qualified for the Paris Games through the existing qualification systems of the International Federations (IFs) on the field of play will participate as Individual Neutral Athletes. These conditions exclude athletes who actively support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as support personnel and individuals contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies. Furthermore, only athletes participating in individual events are eligible.

No display of flags, emblems, anthems, or any other identifying symbols of Russia and Belarus will be allowed at the Olympics due to ongoing sanctions against the two countries.

Factors Considered by the IOC

The IOC’s executive board took into account several factors when making this decision. These factors include the view of the majority of athletes, who believe that fellow athletes should not be punished for the actions of their government. Additionally, International Federations at the Olympic Summit on December 5 urged the IOC to make a prompt decision.

Out of the 4,600 athletes who have qualified for Paris so far, 11 are Individual Neutral Athletes, with eight holding a Russian passport and three holding a Belarusian passport.

The IOC also emphasized that its sanctions against those responsible for the war, as well as the Russian and Belarusian states and governments, will remain in place for the 2024 Games.

Further Reading

(Photo: Kazuhiro Nogi /AFP via Getty Images)