Neither the flags nor anthems of Russia and Belarus will accompany any podium at the Paris Olympics, but there is disagreement over how some of their athletes can still participate, according to the Miami Herald.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) imposed sanctions against Russia and Belarus after the war in Ukraine had broken out in February 2022. However, several dozen athletes from those countries can still compete for medals as “neutrals.”
The move has angered Kyiv and pro-Ukrainian groups, which said a total ban should be imposed. The war in Ukraine also led to sanctions aimed at isolating Russia from the global financial system.
Only a select few Russian and Belarusian athletes are still allowed to compete in neutral status. They will be called Athlète Individuel Neutre (AIN), which is French for “Authorised Neutral Athletes,” if they meet certain selection criteria set by the IOC.
To be allowed to participate as an AIN, athletes must not support the war or contract with the Russian or Belarusian army. They must also meet all anti-doping requirements. Eligibility is determined by the Individual Neutral Athlete Eligibility Review Panel established in March.
Athletes competing under this designation are not allowed to use the neutral Olympic flag or anthem and cannot participate in the opening ceremony. The AIN flag consists of a round AIN emblem in white on a turquoise background.
Who participates
While athletics imposed a total ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes in Paris, other sports accepted their participation. However, in April, 20 British MPs asked the former Conservative government to seek a total ban on all Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Teams of athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports are not allowed to participate. As of 23 July, 32 out of 60 athletes from Russia and Belarus have accepted the invitation to participate in the Games. They will take part in cycling, gymnastics, taekwondo, weightlifting, shooting, wrestling, tennis, canoeing, judo, and swimming.
The figure is significantly lower than at the Tokyo Summer Games three years ago, when the Russian delegation sent 335 athletes to Tokyo 2021 and Belarus sent 104. However, the international human rights group Global Rights Compliance (GRC) stated that 10 Russian and seven Belarusian athletes allowed to compete violated the IOC rules on neutrality regarding the war in Ukraine.
