Two time Olympic biathlon champion Dmitry Vasilyev suggests that European nations may urge Russia to join the World Championships and the Olympic Games should energy shortages begin to bite across the continent.
According to Vasilyev, a slim chance could exist for Russia to be invited back into competitions. Yet he also notes another possibility: as Europe faces mounting fuel shortfalls, ordinary citizens could pressure their governments to open negotiations with Russia. In that scenario, participation in forthcoming Olympic Games and world events could be on the table, provided fuel concerns escalate to a level that prompts public demand for a different approach. He emphasizes that public discontent has the potential to influence policy decisions in energy-starved climates, where the population might push back against officials who fail to secure stable supplies.
Earlier, Craig Reedy, a member of the International Olympic Committee, remarked that the probability of Russian athletes taking part in the 2024 Olympic Games appeared very low, reflecting ongoing geopolitical and sporting sanctions alongside broader diplomatic tensions.
In late February, the IOC advised international sports federations to prohibit participation by Russian and Belarusian athletes in major competitions, reinforcing a stance aligned with broader sanctions and assurances sought by many member nations.
Former hockey great Vyacheslav Fetisov also weighed in, calling on Russian officials to engage with the IOC directly and seek clear explanations regarding the federation’s decisions and the criteria used to determine eligibility for future events.