Russia and Belarus 25 Athletes Approved for Paris Olympics Participation: "No Expression of War Support Allowed"

Allowing Participation with Individual Neutral Qualification

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on the 15th (local time) the first list of 25 Russian and Belarusian athletes who are allowed to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics under individual neutral status.

The IOC stated that the Athlete Individual Neutral Eligibility Review Panel (AINERP) verified the eligibility of Russian and Belarusian athletes and approved the participation of 14 Russian athletes and 11 Belarusian athletes in the Paris Olympics in the first round.

The IOC allowed Russian athletes, who invaded Ukraine, and Belarusian athletes, who assisted the invasion, to participate in the Olympics only under individual neutral status. Team events are prohibited, and athletes must not be related to their country's military activities. Additionally, they must not actively express support for the Ukraine war. The use of their national flag, national anthem, and other national symbols is also banned during the competition.

The approved athletes will compete in cycling, gymnastics, weightlifting, and wrestling events. Among them is Ivan Litvinovich from Belarus, the men's trampoline gold medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics held in 2021.

The IOC said, "The eligibility review panel examined the athletes according to the IOC Executive Board's decisions and established principles," adding, "Athletes approved to participate must sign a participation agreement respecting the Olympic Charter, which embodies the 'peace mission of the Olympic Movement.'"