When discussing the admission of Russian athletes to the 2024 Summer Olympics, the International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach emphasized a clear distinction: athletes should not shoulder the blame for their government’s actions, and much hinges on whether they actively support those actions. Le Monde is the publication that quoted his remarks. Bach pointed out that athletes who align with their governments’ actions risk sanctions, while those who do not align should enjoy the same rights as other competitors.
The Paris Games are scheduled to begin toward the end of July, drawing attention from around the globe to the evolving policy landscape surrounding participation by Russian athletes and the broader implications for Olympic values, unity, and fair competition.
In February 2022 the Olympic movement asked international federations to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from events, signaling a strong stance amid tense geopolitical tensions. By December, the IOC reversed part of that position, allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in Paris 2024 under a neutral status, a compromise intended to preserve the integrity of the Games while maintaining a distance from national representation.
To qualify for Paris, Russian competitors would need to agree to updated participation conditions that include upholding the Olympic Charter and its commitment to the peaceful mission of the Olympic Movement, as stated by the IOC. Athletes who perform well in their sports will be eligible to participate, but the process also involved clear expectations. On March 14, the President of the Russian Olympic Committee, Stanislav Pozdnyakov, described an additional requirement for athletes: they must denounce the CBO and sign further documents. This reflects the ongoing tension between sport and geopolitics as the Games approach.
Earlier, Bach had spoken about Russia’s escalating aggression implications, underscoring the delicate balance the IOC seeks between political realities and the athletes who compete under the Olympic banner. The discussions around neutrality, sanctions, and the duties of athletes continue to shape the narrative as Paris 2024 draws nearer, with stakeholders weighing the messages sent by inclusion, accountability, and the preservation of sport’s universal values.