The International Olympic Committee has announced that it will only admit Russian and Belarusian athletes to the Paris Olympics as neutral individuals, subject to certain criteria.
Accordingly, they must refrain from any activity related to the flag, anthem, emblem or any other symbol of the Russian Federation. Like other athletes, neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus must sign the terms of participation in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, which include a commitment to adhere to the “ Peacekeeping Mission of the Olympic Movement”.
At the same time, the Commission also stated that athletes associated with the armed forces and security agencies, and Russian national teams competing in team events will not be allowed to participate in the Olympics.
The committee will also not allow Russian athletes to march in the opening ceremony of the Olympics. In addition, no Russian or Belarusian government officials will be invited to attend the Games.
There are currently 12 neutral Russian athletes and 7 neutral Belarusian athletes eligible to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games. It is likely that between now and the start of the Games, 36 Russian athletes and 22 Belarusian athletes will qualify for the world's biggest sporting event.
The head coach of the Russian gymnastics team, Ms. Rodionenko, believes that the International Olympic Committee is bullying Russian athletes, so it is very likely that no Russian gymnast will compete at the next Olympics. Currently, only 12 Russian gymnasts have qualified as neutrals.
The President of the Russian Olympic Committee, Mr. Pozdnykov, also said that only a small number of Russian athletes may participate in the Olympics as neutrals without a national flag and anthem.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the Russian Sports Ministry and the Russian Olympic Committee to develop proposals on the participation of Russian athletes at the 2024 Olympic Games, presidential aide Levitin said.
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