Russia and Belarus Athletes at the Paris Olympics

In a significant move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that Russia is banned from competing in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics due to its invasion of Ukraine. The IOC condemned the invasion, stating that it breached the Olympic Truce, and subsequently prohibited athletes from both Russia and Belarus from participating in the Games. The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) was suspended on October 12, 2022, after it attempted to include regional sports organizations under the authority of the Ukrainian Olympic Committee. While the ROC's suspension prevents any representation of Russia in team events, individual Russian athletes may still compete as neutrals, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria set by the IOC. This marks a notable shift from previous Olympics, where Russian athletes were allowed to compete under the Olympic flag as "Olympic Athletes from Russia" (OAR) during the 2018 Winter Games. The absence of Russian representation on the medals table is a significant demotion for a nation that traditionally aimed to compete with the United States and China for top rankings. Additionally, the IOC has banned the use of the Russian and Belarusian flags at the Olympics. Instead, an independent anthem without lyrics will be played for any gold medal winners from these countries. The participation of Belarusian athletes is also limited, with an estimated 18 expected to compete in Paris. This decision underscores the IOC's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Olympic spirit amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.