The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in neutral status.
Photo: olympics.comThe Russians and Belarusians will be able to compete only in individual events, and will not be allowed to form teams. They will qualify for the Olympics only through official qualifying races, the IOC said in a statement. That is, no additional qualification opportunities will be created for them.
The IOC also notes that as of 8 December 2023, only 11 "neutral athletes" had met the criteria for admission to the 2024 Olympics - 8 with Russian passports and 3 with Belarusian passports. In total, a "very limited number" of Russians and Belarusians will be able to compete at the 2024 Olympics.
The "neutral athletes", like other athletes competing at the Olympics, must sign a statement of support for the Olympic Charter.
The national symbols of Russia and Belarus will be banned - this includes the anthem, flag and other attributes.
