Maximum 54 athletes from Russia
The International Olympic Committee released a formal document after its executive committee meeting, outlining the criteria that govern Russian and Belarusian participation in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
According to the IOC statement published on its official site, twelve Russian athletes have already met Olympic qualification standards, and the total number allowed to compete for Russia at Paris will not exceed 54.
Speculation suggests the most likely figure for Russian representation is 36 athletes at the Games.
For Belarus, seven athletes were selected to travel to Paris for the July 26 to August 11 competition, with a maximum possible contingent of 28 participants.
No declaration against SVO
In a move that aligns with the expectations of many National Olympic Committees, Russian athletes will not be required to sign public statements denouncing the Ukraine conflict to take part in the Games.
Nonetheless, the IOC will monitor athletes’ social media activity and media presence. Those who actively support the special military operation may be barred from Olympic participation.
“Neutral status athletes will not be asked to sign extra declarations. Like every participant, they must sign the Olympic Charter agreement,” stated James MacLeod, head of the IOC department overseeing relations with National Olympic Committees.
The IOC also clarified that sanctions will not be imposed on federations permitting Russian athletes who show support for SVO to compete. “Sanctions won’t be imposed on federations; recommendations have been issued for internal adoption,” noted IOC Sport Director Keith McConnell, as work toward Paris eligibility continues.
Without attending the opening parade
Earlier December reporting about Russian and Belarusian delegates not joining the opening ceremony parade has been confirmed. It is anticipated that these delegations may still access the stadium stands, with the ceremony scheduled for July 26.
Decisions regarding neutral athletes’ participation in the closing ceremony will be addressed at a later stage.
“Neutral athletes will not participate in the parade as delegations, since they are individual participants. Still, they will have an opportunity to gain experience from the event. The IOC notes that the same principle applied to independent athletes from the former Yugoslavia during the 1992 Barcelona Games,” the organization explained.
The flag for neutral Russian and Belarusian competitors has been published. It features a turquoise rectangle with a white circle containing the letters AIN, standing for Individual Neutral Athletes, with the designation explained in both English and French.
Special commissions and sanctions for Friendship Games
The IOC announced the creation of a dedicated Independently Neutral Panel (AINERP) to assess each athlete and support staff for potential Olympic participation.
The panel will be chaired by IOC Vice President Nicole Hovertz, with Pau Gasol representing the IOC Ethics Commission and Seung Min Ryu representing the IOC Athletes’ Commission.
Additionally, the IOC confirmed it will consider sanctions on participants in the Friendship Games, a move it characterized as a political action by Russia.
Two transfers from the Russian national team
The IOC Executive Committee approved the citizenship change of two former Russian athletes. Wrestler Alexander Komarov will compete for Serbia since early 2024 and has already earned European titles under that flag. He previously collected two bronze medals with Russia in the same tournament in 2019 and 2020.
The celebrated swimmer Anastasia Kirpichnikova, European champion and a pioneer in competing in both pool and open-water events for Russia at the Tokyo Games, has likewise shifted to a new national affiliation. Kirpichnikova has lived in France for five years and trains under French coaches.
Note: The above outlines reflect IOC positions and processes as of today and are subject to ongoing review and confirmation by Paris organizers and national committees. [Citation: IOC official communications]