In a recent development, the Ukrainian Olympic Committee has sought the assistance of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in examining the involvement of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Paris Olympics due to alleged neutrality violations on Wednesday.
Vadym Huttsait, the president of the Ukrainian Olympic Committee, expressed his concerns in a letter addressed to IOC chief Thomas Bach, which was posted on the committee’s website. He specifically highlighted the potential participation of “AIN athletes” (neutral individual athletes) with Russian and Belarusian passports, particularly those involved in wrestling. He stressed the importance of ensuring their adherence to the Recommended Conditions of Participation outlined by the IOC for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
In December, the IOC announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes who qualify for this year’s Olympics could compete in individual events as neutrals, without displaying their national flags, emblems, or anthems.
However, every athlete must meet specific criteria, including not having actively supported the war on Ukraine and not being affiliated with the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies.
Huttsait further stated that the Ukrainian Olympic Committee is requesting the IOC to prioritize these issues, and has attached a list of athletes who, in their view, fall short of meeting the neutrality requirements set by the IOC.
The Paris Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11.
(Reporting by Julien Pretot and Yuliia Dysa; Editing by XXXX)
