Oleksandr Gorenyuk, a People’s Deputy of Ukraine affiliated with the Servant of the People party, used his social channels to emphasize a growing debate about how local athletes should participate on the international stage when Russians and Belarusians are present.
He argued that the move to ban Ukrainian athletes from events featuring Russia and Belarus should be reconsidered. By competing and flying the Ukrainian flag on the world stage, athletes demonstrate a unique form of national representation that others cannot replicate.
Gorenyuk suggested that the core objective in global sports should be to support the athletes themselves rather than oppose them. He urged officials to attend international tournaments, speak directly to audiences, and present clear reasons for why participation by Russians and Belarusians should be limited under certain circumstances.
Historically, the International Olympic Committee issued guidance on February 28, 2022, urging sports federations to restrict participation by domestic athletes and those from Belarus. This guidance reflected a broader effort to address the situation through policy rather than blanket exclusions.
Later, during the IOC executive committee meeting held on March 28, it was advised that Russians and Belarusians could compete under neutral status provided they avoid active involvement in hostilities. It was also specified that athletes linked to law enforcement or armed forces would not be permitted to participate under these neutral conditions.
In the realm of commentary, former Olympic champion Teresa Johaug He expressed sympathy for Russian skiers, highlighting the emotional complexity surrounding competition, national identity, and the responsibilities of athletic leadership in times of geopolitical tension.