The International Olympic Committee has approved the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus, but they will only participate as neutrals, and not represent their countries, because of the ongoing Ukraine war.
The United States, France, Germany and Britain recently approved the IOC’s plan for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the Paris Olympics taking place from July 26 to August 11.
This decision comes despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with the IOC and the International Paralympic Committee stipulating that athletes from these countries can compete if they have not publicly endorsed the invasion of Ukraine and have no military affiliations.
Russia and Belarus were banned from participating at the Olympics after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The ban also applied to individual athletes from Russia who were also banned from participating.
Ukraine’s President Vilodymir Zelensky threatened his country was going to boycott the games if Russian athletes were allowed to participate, even as neutrals.
But the stance appears relaxed at the moment.
In addition to their neutrality, Russian and Belarusian athletes will not sing their respective national anthems at the games and will not display their flags.
In order to maintain neutrality and avoid potential controversies, the IOC has developed an independent anthem, devoid of lyrics, to be played for any Russian or Belarusian athletes who clinch gold medals at the Paris Olympics.
The decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under neutral status has sparked mixed reactions among athletes, officials, and spectators worldwide.
While some argue that sports should remain separate from politics, others express concerns over the potential implications of allowing athletes from countries embroiled in geopolitical conflicts to participate in international sporting events.
