How are athletes from banned countries like Russia participating in the Paris Olympics?

The 2024 Olympics in Paris have seen a unique turn of events as athletes from Russia and Belarus, countries banned from the games due to their involvement in the Ukraine war, will still participate but under strict conditions. They will compete as "Individual Neutral Athletes," meaning they can't display their nations' flags, anthems, or colours.

This decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) came after much deliberation and controversy. It aims to balance the exclusion of the countries with the principle of not punishing athletes for the actions of their governments.

Furthermore, these neutral athletes must adhere to stringent eligibility criteria, including no active support for the war in Ukraine and full compliance with anti-doping rules. This compromise reflects the IOC's attempt to uphold fairness while navigating the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the games.

Notable “banned” athletes

Several Russian and Belarusian athletes have already made notable achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics. For instance, former No.1 Moscow athlete Daniil Medvedev has advanced to the third round in the men’s singles tennis competition, as has his peer Roman Safiullin.
In addition, many Russian wrestlers were initially invited, but declined to participate as an IAN, such as Magomed Murtazaliev and Alan Ostaev. Meanwhile, Belarusian weightlifters Yauheni Tsiakhantsou and Abubakar Khaslakhanau have accepted invitations to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Controversies with the inclusion

The inclusion of athletes from Russia and Belarus has not been without controversy. The decision to allow these athletes to compete as neutrals has faced criticism and sparked political debates. For instance, World Athletics — the global governing body for track and field — has maintained a strict ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, highlighting the complex and varied responses across different sports federations. Many pro-Ukrainian groups have reportedly also insisted for a blanket ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes.
Moreover, the Paris 2024 Olympics has also seen political statements beyond the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The IOC has faced pressure from various groups and nations regarding the representation of Israeli and Palestinian athletes and the political implications of their participation. Taking full advantage of the eyeballs that the Olympics opening ceremony captures, Palestinian boxer Waseem Abu Sal even reportedly arrived in a shirt that depicted children being bombed.

As the Olympics progress, the presence of these neutral athletes will continue to be a focal point, illustrating the enduring intersection of sports and global politics.