Russians and Belarusians outside the opening ceremony of Paris’2024 – Paris’2024

Decision announced by the IOC

Russian and Belarusian athletes authorized to compete in Paris’2024 as neutral individual athletes will not be able to participate in the opening ceremony, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said.

The organization guaranteed that they “will have the opportunity to experience the event”, however, they justified their decision with the fact that they will compete in an “individual capacity” at a time destined only for national teams: the party will take place on July 26th in Rio Seine, in Paris.

The IOC’s attitude is in line with that taken in relation to four elements from the former Yugoslavia during the Barcelona’1992 Games, also outside the opening ceremony.

James Macleod, director of Olympic Solidarity at the IOC, also revealed that the medalist will not have references to “neutral individuals”, a decision also in line with that of the International Paralympic Committee, for the ceremony that will take place on August 28th.

Russian and Belarusian athletes authorized to participate will have a neutral flag, with the acronym AIN on a green background, without the Olympic rings, as well as an anthem, with original music to be presented by the IOC, in what will be a “moment of dignity” without lyrics, and will only be played in the case of a gold medal.

“Like all other athletes, AINs will have to sign the conditions of participation applicable to Paris2024¸which contain a commitment to respect the Olympic Charter, including the peace mission of the Olympic Movement”, highlighted the IOC.

Of the approximately 6,000 athletes already selected, only 12 Russians and seven Belarusians are qualified, with the organization projecting the “most likely scenario” of 36 Russians and 22 Belarusians.

According to the study, at “maximum” there will be 55 Russians and 28 Belarusians, respectively, when in Tokyo’2020 there were 330 of the former and 104 of the latter.

Those who qualified will be subject to scrutiny by a panel analyzing their eligibility, particularly in aspects related to the invasion of Ukraine.

This team will be made up of an IOC vice-president, Nicole Hoevertsz, from Aruba, a member of the ethics committees, the Spaniard Pau Gasol, and the athletes, the South Korean Seung Min Ryu.

The decision on the closing ceremony, which traditionally brings together athletes and not delegations, subject to a less rigorous protocol, “will be taken later”.

Meanwhile, talks persist with Afghanistan regarding the Taliban regime, which has severely limited sport for women, allowing “mixed representation” in Paris’2024.

The Guatemalan Olympic committee saw his suspension lifted due to political interference.

The IOC also left a message to the national Olympic committees and athletes who will participate in the Friendship Games that Russia will organize after Paris2024, revealing that the executive committee will analyze the events after the event: “caution with politicized Games” was recommended.

The Paris’2024 Olympic Games will be held from July 26th to August 11th.

By Lusa