The Deputy Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation acknowledged that domestic athletes are likely to miss a large portion of events at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The statement came as officials assess the impact of sanctions and eligibility rules on Russia’s overall participation in the event. [citation: Russian Ministry of Sport]
Officials stressed that while some competitions may be missed, efforts are being directed toward maintaining performance opportunities in the events that remain within reach. The focus is on ensuring that the strongest possible results are still achievable across disciplines where Russia can compete under the prevailing international guidelines. [citation: Department briefing]
In February 2022, the International Olympic Committee issued guidance urging international sports federations to consider barring Russian and Belarusian athletes from participation in competitions. This stance shaped the eligibility landscape for Russians across many sports. [citation: IOC announcement Feb 2022]
During an IOC Executive Committee meeting on March 28, 2023, a different approach was discussed. It was suggested that Russians who meet certain neutrality conditions could remain eligible, provided they are not actively supporting hostilities. Some federations have requested athletes to sign a neutrality declaration as a condition for taking part in tournaments. [citation: IOC Executive Committee March 2023 report]
As a result, in several sports Russians have continued to participate in international events under neutral status. This arrangement allows eligible athletes to compete while the broader geopolitical restrictions remain in effect. [citation: sports federation updates]
Overall, the current policy environment creates a nuanced participation framework where neutral status can enable competition for some athletes, while others may remain barred depending on the discipline and the governing federation. The ongoing discussions aim to clarify eligibility rules for the upcoming Paris Games and to balance competitive aspirations with international sanctions and safety considerations. [citation: policy analysis]