Dina Averina, celebrated as an 18-time world champion in rhythmic gymnastics, has publicly commented on the prospect of competing at the Olympic Games without the Russian flag and anthem, a topic that has continued to shape discussions within the sporting world. The athlete spoke about the emotional and symbolic weight of representing a nation on the Olympic stage, noting that a neutral stance feels different from the familiar sense of national pride that accompanies major competitions. In conversations with Irina Wiener, Averina underscored that the flag and anthem carry significance for many athletes, and the idea of competing openly under a neutral banner would be a meaningful shift for her and for others who identify closely with Russia’s athletic legacy. The sentiment reflects a broader debate among athletes about identity, national representation, and the role of symbols in sport. In Tokyo, Averina secured a silver medal in the individual all-around, a performance that highlighted her continued excellence and her ability to perform at the highest level on the world stage. Her achievement in Tokyo also came at a moment when Russian gymnasts had traditionally dominated the event, marking a notable moment in the history of the sport for both Averina and her peers. [Source: IOC]
In late February 2022, the International Olympic Committee issued guidance to international sports federations advising that Russian and Belarusian athletes should generally be barred from participating in competitions. This stance was part of a broader response to political and military developments affecting the Olympic movement and international athletics, and it prompted discussions about eligibility, neutrality, and the long-term participation of Russian athletes in global events. As the situation evolved, the discussions continued to influence how athletes from the region could compete while aligning with IOC principles and global sporting norms. The complexity of these decisions often centers on balancing competitive opportunity with diplomatic considerations and collective safety within the sports community.
During the IOC Executive Committee meeting held on March 28, 2023, the proposal emerged to permit Russians to remain in neutral status provided that athletes were not actively involved in supporting military operations. The committee also suggested excluding athletes affiliated with armed forces or security agencies, as well as national teams, from team-based disciplines. This framework aimed to preserve competitive integrity while still offering opportunities for individual athletes to participate under neutral conditions. The policies reflected an ongoing effort to compartmentalize athletic participation from broader geopolitical issues, a theme that has recurred in various forms across different sports federations. The evolving stance highlighted the tension between national affiliation and the universal, apolitical nature that international competition strives to uphold. [Source: IOC]
Earlier statements attributed to Wiener indicated a reluctance on the part of Russia to embrace competing under a neutral flag. The dialogue around neutrality has persisted, with athletes and national bodies weighing the potential implications for performance, identity, and legacy in the sport. The conversations also touched on the practicalities of meeting neutrality criteria, communicating decisions to fans and sponsors, and managing eligibility across a calendar of major events. In this context, Averina’s reflections provide a window into how elite athletes perceive changes to the traditional structure of Olympic participation and how these changes may shape future competition and training strategies. The ongoing dialogue underscores the broader questions facing athletes who have built careers around national symbols and the prestige that comes with competing under a flag. [Source: IOC]