By Karrie Baloga
For the third time in history, Paris will be hosting one of the most beloved events:The 2024 Summer Olympics. The games include 32 different sports where many athletes and fans from all around the world come together and represent their countries' flags with pride. After Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24th, 2022 the IOC, International Olympic Committee, had to consider whether Russian athletes could compete in the upcoming games.
So now the question remains: should Russian athletes be allowed to compete in next year's 2024 Olympic games despite the actions of their government?
After months of constant invasions, deaths, and war crimes in Ukraine, 34 countries including the U.S. have signed a petition saying they don't agree with the participation of the Russians in the 2024 Olympics. Arguments and statements from these counties have been released, giving the public a clear reasoning behind their stance. Jan Lipavsky, the Czech foreign minister, said "We know that 70% of Russian athletes are soldiers. I consider it unacceptable that such people participate in the Olympic Games in the current situation, when fair play obviously means nothing to them" (Sytas). The decision for the IOC to release this policy became highly anticipated. Other counties began taking their position publicly and supporting Ukraine. In a highly attended online meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, pointed out that over 200 of their country’s athletes and coaches have died due to Russia’s invasions. Zelensky followed up this statistic by saying "If there's an Olympics sport with killings and missile strikes, you know which national team would take the first place. Terror and Olympism are two opposites, they cannot be combined." (Sytas). The IOC then faced making a decision that would leave one side angry. Determined to find a solution, the IOC announced a pathway for Russian athletes to compete at the games. On March 28th, 2023 this motion was put into place. The only caveat was that the athletes would not be able to represent their home country. These athletes would compete as neutrals along with other athletes who don't belong to a certain country. Ty Roush, a writer for Forbes News, reported “Russian and Belarusian athletes would be allowed to participate if they do not represent their country or an organization affiliated with their country, the IOC said, though any athlete who actively supports Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would not be able to compete” (Roush). The IOC stuck with their decision despite the debate, and in doing so they kept the athletes’ human rights in mind, but sought to avoid mass boycotts, protests and violence.
I believe Russian athletes should have the opportunity to compete in the upcoming 2024 Olympics but as neutrals. Athletes shouldn't be punished for the actions that Russia’s government decided to take. If they support the invasion and want to continue to wear their country's flag then that athlete should not be allowed to participate. I think allowing Russians to compete with no limits may cause many issues amongst athletes, especially the countries surrounding Ukraine. People may believe that letting Russian athletes compete as a non-neutral is fair but there are alternatives that will ensure less conflict.
Bottom line: Let athletes be athletes and leave war out of the Olympics.
Works Cited
“Home.” YouTube, https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2023/01/25/russian-athletes-can-compete-in-2024-olympics---but-not-under-russian-flag/?sh=14be86664c20. Accessed 23 April 2023.
Sytas, Andrius. “Olympics row deepens as 35 countries demand ban for Russia and Belarus.” Reuters, 10 February 2023, https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/ukraines-zelenskiy-took-part-meeting-olympics-lithuania-says-2023-02-10/. Accessed 23 April 2023.
Photo Credit: 2022 Getty Images
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