IBU Official Stance on Russian Participation in Biathlon

The ongoing debate over the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in international biathlon events continues to shape the policy discussions within the sport’s governing bodies. Jiri Gamza, who serves as Vice-President of the International Biathlon Union (IBU), has been clear in his stance: the admission of Russian biathletes to world competitions under neutral flags is not up for negotiation. He underscored that the IBU cannot accept a change in its current policy and reiterated disappointment with the decision of the International Olympic Committee to permit Russians to compete under a neutral banner. According to Gamza, the suspension must endure until the territory of Ukraine is free from aggression. This view reflects a broader sentiment within segments of the biathlon community that aligns sport with geopolitical realities and the obligation to uphold the integrity of international competition in times of conflict.