Updated 15.59 | Published 15.32
In the past, it has been no to Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Olympics.
Now the International Olympic Committee has changed its mind.
In Paris, they may participate under a neutral flag.
The International Olympic Committee, IOC, has taken the position that Russian and Belarusian athletes should not be allowed to participate in the Olympics in Paris next summer.
This decision has been valid for as long as the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been going on.
But over time, the IOC has softened its tone and now there is thus a turning point in the matter.
Eleven athletes ready
Russian and Belarusian athletes are welcome to compete under a neutral flag.
In addition, there are a number of requirements that they must live up to. Athletes and support staff who actively support the war are not welcome to compete at the Olympics. The same applies if you are employed in the army or the security services.
This means that no flags and national anthems from these countries will figure in Paris.
Also, no teams are allowed, only individual athletes.
So far, eight Russians and three Belarusians are ready for the championship because they have already qualified.
No boycott
The Nordic countries and Ukraine were against the IOC’s decision, but were also in the minority.
Despite this, the Swedish Olympic Committee will not boycott the games in Paris.
– SOK does not believe in boycotts. Sweden has never boycotted an Olympic Games and has no plans to do so in Paris, the only thing that could change that is a decision in the UN or similar, says SOK Secretary General Åsa Edlund Jönsson in a statement.
Next year’s Summer Games open on July 26 and end on August 11.
full screen Vladimir Putin and Russian medalists after the 2014 Olympics. Photo: Mikhail Klimentyev / AP
2023-12-08 14:37:30
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