The International Olympic Committee’s executive board has issued new guidance to international federations and event organisers, allowing Belarus to return to full national representation while maintaining Russia’s suspension.
Key Background
- Both Russia and Belarus were suspended from Olympic competition following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine (with Belarus as a close ally).
- Since 2023, athletes from both countries have competed as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) at events including the Paris 2024 Olympics and Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, with no major incidents reported.
Why the Difference?
- Belarus: The National Olympic Committee (NOC) is considered in good standing and complies with the Olympic Charter. Belarusian athletes have participated without problems as neutrals.
- Russia: The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) remains suspended. Ongoing doping concerns are the main barrier:
- World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has issued over 300 sanctions against Russian athletes after reviewing Moscow lab data.
- The IOC is still reviewing new information about Russia’s anti-doping system.
The decision comes as qualification periods begin for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2028 Winter Youth Olympics.
Context & Reactions
New IOC President Kirsty Coventry (elected March 2025) had previously hinted at possible Russian participation in LA 2028, but doping issues have kept the full ban in place for now.
Other organisations have taken slightly different approaches:
- The International Paralympic Committee lifted its ban on both countries earlier.
- World Aquatics has allowed athletes from both nations to compete under their flags in some cases.
This move reinforces the IOC’s stated principle that athletes shouldn’t be punished solely for the actions of their governments — but Russia’s doping history continues to complicate its return.
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