The Ukraine NOC Leader’s Position on Russian Participation in Paris 2024
The president of Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee, Vadim Gutzeit, explained that the diplomatic effort to bar Russian athletes from Paris 2024 did not succeed. He noted that voices from the Ukrainian NOC and allied partner nations were not heard on the issue. The statement was shared on the official Ukrainian NOC website.
Gutzeit emphasized that the campaign would continue. He said the committee would keep a close watch on how Russian and Belarusian athletes comply with the neutral status requirements and would report any violations or abuses to the International Olympic Committee and other international sports federations.
On December 8, the International Olympic Committee announced that Russian athletes could take part in the Paris Games under neutral status. The IOC added that those athletes would need to accept updated participation conditions, including a pledge to uphold the Olympic Charter and the peaceful mission of the Olympic movement. It was also stated that Russian competitors who excel in their disciplines would be eligible to compete under these terms.
Back in 2022, amid the start of military actions in Ukraine, IOC president Thomas Bach advised international federations to exclude Russian athletes from major competitions. On January 25, 2023, the IOC conveyed that it was examining the possibility of allowing Russian athletes who do not support the initiation of the SBO to take part in international events with neutral status.
Earlier statements framed Russia’s admission criteria as controversial and controversial in nature, highlighting tensions between neutrality and other competitive principles. The ongoing conversation reflects the broader challenge of balancing geopolitical realities with the integrity of international sports competitions. (citation: IOC communications, official channels)