Evgeny Korotyshkin, a Russian swimmer, Olympic silver medalist, and World Championship bronze medalist, discussed the potential for Russian athletes to take part in international events under a neutral status. In an interview with socialbites.ca, he argued that the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) conditions infringe on athletes’ rights.
He noted that debating neutral participation can stretch on without reaching an agreement. Athletes may make different choices depending on the moment and life stage. He recalled that Russian competitors have already competed under neutral conditions, without national flags or anthems, and under bans and limits. He added that competitors might even be restricted from entering mixed zones alongside others.
Korotyshkin questioned how relevant the IOC prerequisites are to sport itself. He pointed out that the rules bar athletes affiliated with law enforcement from competition, yet these athletes are not parading with a state banner or acting as national security agents. They perform for their club teams and, like many others, seek opportunities to earn a living and secure representation in contests. Without such support, achieving high performance becomes markedly harder. He argued that the new expectations from international bodies amount to a direct violation of athletes’ rights.
If the IOC persists with this approach, Korotyshkin warned, it risks turning into a political entity and leading nowhere. He reminded that the Olympic Charter was designed to keep athletes separate and to promote friendship and health. Violating athletes’ rights, he said, jeopardizes the core ideology of the Olympic movement itself.
Korotyshkin underscored a duty to preserve athletes’ motivation to pursue sport. He observed that life does not end with the Olympics, implying that athletes may redefine priorities and pursue additional goals beyond the Games. This, he suggested, requires new strategies and expanded objectives for the athletic community.
Reports indicate that the IOC is prepared to admit Russian athletes to the 2024 Olympic Games in a neutral status, devoid of flags, anthems, or any national symbols. Additionally, athletes seeking Olympic participation would be required to publicly state that they do not support Russia’s operation in Ukraine and must not have ties to law enforcement groups such as Dynamo or CSKA. According to Korotyshkin, ensuring a safe and secure environment for competitors at international events remains a top concern for Russians competing abroad. [Source attribution: socialbites.ca]