Stanislav Pozdnyakov, who serves as president of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), conveyed through the organization’s Telegram channel that Russia plans to press ahead with preparations for the Paris 2024 Games even as the International Olympic Committee has recommended that Russians and Belarusians be kept from international competition. The ROC frames this stance as a commitment to the Olympic movement and to athletes who seek fair and equal opportunities on the Olympic stage.
Pozdnyakov emphasized that the ROC remains an active participant in the global Olympic system. He noted that Russia will continue training for Paris while also working to secure qualifications and ensure that its athletes can participate in the Olympic Village, events, and the broader competition schedule. The message underscores the goal of a level playing field and continuous involvement in Olympic activities, despite external pressures and policy debates.
The Paris Games are scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024. This timeline situates Russia’s preparations within a larger international debate about eligibility and participation for athletes from the country, as international sports bodies reassess how to balance competitive integrity with inclusivity and safety concerns in light of geopolitical developments.
Earlier in February, the IOC communicated to world federations a guidance that discouraged Russian and Belarusian athletes from taking part in competitions under the IOC umbrella. In addition, IOC member Craig Reed indicated that the likelihood of the Russian team meeting Olympic qualification standards in 2024 was uncertain. These developments have sparked discussions about athletes’ futures, national representation, and the procedures governing Olympic eligibility across major events. [1]
Meanwhile, Dmitry Svishchev, a former chairman of the State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sport, publicly suggested that Paris should decline to host the 2024 Olympic Games, signaling the depth of political contention surrounding the event and the participation of Russian and allied athletes. [2]