Russia expected to be banned from the 2024 Olympics in Paris
All of this comes after the IOC encouraged international events to impose a ban on athletes from Russia and Belarus
While Russia is one of the most accomplished countries in the history of Olympic sports, it appears the country will once again not be officially represented at the 2024 Olympics.
Russia was already banned from the 2020 Olympics, later held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While it was still represented by the Russian Olympic Committee, officials hoped the flag and country would be represented officials during the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Unfortunately for Russia and Belarus, it appears ongoing events will now be the cause of the two countries being barred from officially competing at the Olympics.
In an interview with The Guardian, Craig Reedie addressed whether or not the two countries would be allowed to compete. Reedie, an important member serving on the International Olympic Committee and the former president of the World Anti-Doping Agency, cast doubt on the possibility.
“I’m afraid a decision is going to have to be taken on what happens to each of these two countries. And my guess is that the general feeling would be that they should not qualify. I think most people are struggling with how we could achieve some degree of representation. At the moment, there is no clear way to do it. Therefore, you maintain the status quo.”
All of this comes after the IOC encouraged international events to impose a ban on athletes from Russia and Belarus.
Citing a desire to protect ‘the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants, the IOC recommended all international sports federations to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions.
Beedie told The Guardian that the view is still shared by the IOC. While there are some exceptions for individual sports (cycling, judo and tennis), the ban will likely be in place for the 2024 Olympics.
