At least nine of the 33 ostensibly neutral Russian athletes permitted to participate at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games have been found to have breached the event’s eligibility conditions.
According to an investigation released by Ukrainian media outlet Babel, the athletes either visited occupied Crimea, participated in propaganda tournaments, or allegedly supported Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
An analysis of the social media activity of five additional athletes indicated their support for the war, as reported by Babel.
In December 2023, the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided that Russian and Belarusian athletes could compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), subject to ‘strict eligibility conditions.’
According to these conditions, Russian and Belarusian athletes cannot compete as part of national teams, display flags, or wear official identification associated with their countries.
An analysis of the social media activity of five additional athletes indicated their support for the war, as reported by Babel.
In December 2023, the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided that Russian and Belarusian athletes could compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), subject to ‘strict eligibility conditions.’
According to these conditions, Russian and Belarusian athletes cannot compete as part of national teams, display flags, or wear official identification associated with their countries.
Athletes or support personnel who have openly endorsed the war, or have ties to Russian or Belarusian military or security organizations, are also prohibited from participation.
The nine athletes in question publicly admitted to visiting occupied Crimea or participating in tournaments that promoted Russia’s war effort. Wrestler Nachyn Mongush allegedly served in the Russian army previously, in direct violation of the IOC’s regulations.
Russia was formally banned from competing in the Olympics for four years, starting in 2019, due to systematic doping violations. However, Russian athletes participated in the 2020 and 2022 games under the flag of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC).
The ROC was suspended in October 2023 after asserting control over the athletic bodies in Russian-occupied Ukraine.
Ukraine has campaigned for the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes from the Paris games altogether, even under a neutral banner.
The nine athletes in question publicly admitted to visiting occupied Crimea or participating in tournaments that promoted Russia’s war effort. Wrestler Nachyn Mongush allegedly served in the Russian army previously, in direct violation of the IOC’s regulations.
Russia was formally banned from competing in the Olympics for four years, starting in 2019, due to systematic doping violations. However, Russian athletes participated in the 2020 and 2022 games under the flag of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC).
The ROC was suspended in October 2023 after asserting control over the athletic bodies in Russian-occupied Ukraine.
Ukraine has campaigned for the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes from the Paris games altogether, even under a neutral banner.
Source: Kyiv Independent
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