:watermark(https://f.pmo.ee//logos/4232/4ebd6f5dc62d0c4b6f1961c46e2f0303.png,-2p,-2p,0,18,none):format(webp)/nginx/o/2025/07/28/17037136t1h87a2.jpg)
Russian and Belarusian Athletes May Compete as Neutrals in Winter Olympics
Table of Contents
World Today News Staff">
world-today-news.com">
athletes from Russia and Belarus may have the opportunity to compete under a neutral flag at the upcoming Winter Olympics in cortina and Milan. This potential decision mirrors the approach taken during last year’s event in Paris,where 15 Russian and 17 Belarusian athletes participated.
“We haven’t made the final decision yet,” stated Coventry. “I will not rush to it, because in September and december, the Executive Committee meetings will be held, but we are likely to approach this issue as we did in Paris.”
to be eligible for the Paris Olympics, athletes from Belarus and Russia were required to meet specific criteria. These included achieving qualifying athletic standards and providing proof that they do not support the war in Ukraine and are not affiliated with the Russian authorities.
Recently, there have been calls for the International Winter Sports Federation to permit athletes from aggressor nations to participate in competitions, enabling them to qualify for the Olympics. Though, it is indeed currently understood that luge riders and team sports participants from these countries will not be able to compete in Italy.
The Winter olympics are scheduled to take place from February 6 to 22,with the Paralympic games following from March 6 to 15.
Evergreen Insights
The debate surrounding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international sporting events has been ongoing as the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. Many international sports federations have imposed bans or restrictions on athletes and teams from these nations. However, some organizations, like the International Olympic Committee (IOC), have explored pathways for individual athletes to compete as neutrals, provided they meet strict criteria related to their non-endorsement of the conflict and their lack of affiliation with state apparatus.
Historically, athletes have competed under neutral flags during times of political tension or when their national federations faced sanctions. This practice aims to uphold the Olympic spirit of universality while acknowledging geopolitical realities. The Winter Olympics, with its diverse range of sports, often becomes a focal point for these discussions, as different sports federations have varying policies and levels of independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will Russian athletes be allowed to compete in the Winter Olympics?
- Russian athletes may be permitted to compete as neutrals, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria.
- Can Belarusian athletes participate in the Winter Olympics?
- Similar to Russian athletes, Belarusian athletes might compete under a neutral flag if they satisfy the established conditions.
- What criteria must Russian and Belarusian athletes meet to compete?
- Athletes must achieve qualifying athletic standards and demonstrate that they do not support the war in Ukraine and are not affiliated with their respective authorities.
- Which sports will not allow athletes from aggressor countries?
- Luge riders and team sports participants from aggressor countries will reportedly not be able to compete in Italy.
- When will the Winter Olympics take place?
- The Winter olympics are scheduled from February 6 to 22.
- When are the Paralympic games scheduled?
- The Paralympic Games will be held from March 6 to 15.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.