The International Olympic Committee (IOC) released a statement on Saturday regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Notably, the statement did not mention any taekwondo athletes specifically, prompting Russia’s taekwondo head coach Vadim Ivanov to confirm that none of their athletes will be competing in Paris. This decision was welcomed by Ukraine’s Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi, who expressed relief at the absence of what he labeled as “outspoken propagandists” from the Games.
According to Bidnyi, the IOC took into consideration the evidence presented by Ukraine, including information from investigative journalists and government agencies, in making their decision. Initially, both countries’ athletes were banned from international competition following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, the IOC later revised their regulations to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate as neutral athletes with certain restrictions in place.
It was stated by the IOC that the final list of participants will be updated as qualifying results are finalized. Notably, no track and field athletes from Russia or Belarus will be in attendance as World Athletics has implemented a ban on all athletes from these countries. In a similar vein, the status of athletes in other sports remains uncertain due to late reinstatements.
Despite the decision by Moscow not to boycott the Paris Games, there may be individual athletes who choose not to compete. Russian gymnasts have already declared their intention to refrain from participating in the Games. Those athletes granted neutral status will not be present at the opening ceremony or be included in the official medal table.
At the same time, the IOC has established the Individual Neutral Athlete Eligibility Review Panel (AINERP) to assist in determining which athletes will be invited to the Games. This panel has access to new information sources, including official lists of athletes affiliated with armed and security forces in Russia and Belarus. Furthermore, the IOC has provided neutral athletes with a dedicated flag and anthem to be used if they secure an Olympic title.
