The fine line between inclusion and exclusion

Only 16 Russians and 17 Belarusians accepted the invitation to compete under a neutral flag, indicating a sharp decline in the number of Russian and Belarusian athletes competing at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. The sharp drop from the 304 Belarusians and 330 Russians who took part in Tokyo 2020 underscores the continuing impact of geopolitical unrest on global sport.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has introduced a rigorous two-step approval process for these athletes, who must demonstrate that they have not actively supported the war in Ukraine or maintained ties with their country’s armed services. Participation from these countries has been severely limited as a result of this screening process, as well as bans from various sports federations and mass rejections from certain groups of athletes.

Top tennis players Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka, as well as the entire judo, wrestling and gymnastics teams, are notorious absentees. A wordless anthem for gold medal winners, competing under a green flag with the initials “AIN” and exclusion from the opening ceremony parade and medal table are just a few of the special obstacles that athletes who compete will have to overcome.

The occasion underscores the intricate relationship between politics and sport, as the Olympic movement struggles to balance the need to respond to global crises with the ideals of inclusiveness. The reduced number of athletes from Belarus and Russia as the Games approach is a reminder of the ongoing hostilities and the profound impact that international events have on the world of sport.

(Source: Inside the Games)