Russians and Belarusians to Compete as Independents at Paris 2024 Olympics
Athletes from Russia and Belarus who qualify for the Paris Games will be competing as independents without their flags and anthems following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Details of the Decision
- Russians and Belarusians will not participate in the parade of athletes at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
- Athletes from these countries will compete as individual neutral athletes (AINs) under a specially-created flag and anthem without lyrics produced by the IOC.
- The opening ceremony in Paris will be staged on the river Seine with teams floating past an estimated 300,000 spectators.
Reaction to the Decision
Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo welcomed the decision, stating, “This decision is a step in the right direction. Paris will always stand by the Ukrainian people.”
Eligibility Criteria
The IOC will vet athletes who qualify through a three-member panel to ensure they meet the established eligibility criteria. Athletes actively supporting the war or with military affiliations will not be allowed to participate.
An estimated 36 Russian and 22 Belarusian athletes are expected to make the cut for Paris, a significant decrease from previous Olympics.
