COMPETING IN NEUTRAL

HOW RUSSIAN AND BELARUSIAN OLYMPIC ATHLETES CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE GAMES EVEN IF THEIR COUNTRIES ARE BANNED

- BRENDAN COLE

Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine means neither the flags nor the anthems of Russia and Belarus will accompany any podium finishes at the Paris Olympics-but there is controversy over how some of their athletes could still take part.

After the war started, the International Olympic Committee sanctioned Russia and Belarus. The autocratic leader of the latter, Putin's close ally Alexander Lukashenko, has allowed Belarus to be used as a staging post for attacks on Ukraine.

However, a few dozen athletes from these countries might still be competing for medals as "neutrals." This has angered Kyiv and pro-Ukrainian groups, who say a blanket ban should be imposed.

What Is Behind the Ban?

Putin's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, took place just between the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. This prompted international outrage, leading to financial sanctions to isolate Russia.

The IOC also condemned Russia's aggression as a "blatant violation of the Olympic Truce," referring to the pledge of international peace leading up to and immediately after the Games. The IOC reiterated its condemnation of Putin's aggression on the first anniversary of the war.

As part of the sanctions, no flags, anthems or other national symbols of Russia and Belarus can be displayed in Paris, and no government or state officials can be accredited for the Games.

What Are the Exceptions?