June 26, (THEWILL) – As preparations for the 2024 Paris Games intensify, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine, while expressing willingness to consider any International Olympic Committee (IOC) proposal regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes as neutrals.
THEWILL recalls that after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the IOC imposed sanctions on Russia and its ally, Belarus, but recently recommended that their athletes be allowed to compete internationally under neutral statuses. The USOPC Chair, Gene Sykes, has stated that the committee stands with Ukraine, but remains open to exploring the IOC’s plans, stressing the need to uphold Olympic values while supporting athletes.
With mounting pressure on the IOC, sporting federations, national Olympic committees, and governments to make a decision on Russian and Belarusian athletes’ participation in the Paris Games, concerns are growing that their inclusion, even as neutrals, could lead to a Ukraine-led boycott. Sykes pointed out that the USOPC has taken a measured approach, giving the IOC an opportunity to explore the possibility of neutral participation by Russian and Belarusian athletes.
However, the determination of genuine neutrality poses a significant challenge. Independent organisations such as Sportradar are providing input and conducting background checks to assist in assessing athletes’ neutrality, with the information made available to federations. While various international federations have allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete without national symbols, including flags and anthems, the IOC’s decision for the Paris Olympics is yet to be made. The USOPC is decidedly steadfast in its solidarity with Ukraine and its athletes.
Sykes highlighted the complex balance between supporting Olympic values and athletes, emphasising the USOPC’s careful and constructive engagement with the IOC to convey its viewpoint. As the deadline for a decision approaches, stakeholders anticipate further developments regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the 2024 Paris Games.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
