The leadership of the Russian rhythmic gymnastics federation has spoken about the International Olympic Committee’s approach to the possible inclusion of Russian athletes in the 2024 Games, under a neutral status. Emphasizing a need for clear, practical solutions, the federation’s head asserted that the current discussions are not yet sufficient to resolve the matter. The official noted that if Western countries are reluctant to admit Russian athletes while Asia shows openness, Asia should be given meaningful quotas to participate. The response from the IOC, she suggested, should acknowledge the realities of international sports politics and move beyond soft declarations toward concrete policy.
Earlier this year, the IOC announced its consideration of allowing Russian competitors who oppose the ongoing actions in Ukraine to compete under neutral conditions. This stance reflected a broader search for a path that could keep sports from being politicized while preserving rules of neutrality in eligibility.
By mid-February, a diverse coalition of thirty-five nations, including the United States, Germany, and Australia, reportedly agreed in an online meeting to press for the suspension of Russian and Belarusian athletes from the 2024 Olympics. The move signaled a strong, united front aimed at influencing the IOC’s decision and illustrating the intersection of sport and global diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Dmitry Svishchev, a former head of Russia’s State Duma committee on physical culture and sport, supported the IOC president Thomas Bach’s proposal to admit Russian athletes under specific conditions. His view contributed to the ongoing debate about how national and international bodies should balance competitive fairness with geopolitical considerations.