Posted Jul 20, 2023 at 8:48 a.m.Updated Jul 20, 2023 at 9:49 a.m.
It’s a breath of fresh air for Russian and Belarusian gymnasts, banned from international competitions since March 2022 due to the invasion of Ukraine. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) decided on Thursday to allow them to participate in its competitions. A decision which will come into force on January 1, 2024 and which will therefore allow them to take part in the Paris Olympic Games next summer.
But to reappear in sports arenas, gymnasts from both countries are subject to “strict conditions”, specifies the FIG. And, above all, will not be able to participate in competitions on behalf of their country.
“Neutral Individual Athletes”
To reintegrate the international circuit, in accordance with the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee, they will indeed have to participate, “as” neutral individual athletes “”. And “without any involvement or association with the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus, their respective National Federations or National Olympic Committees”, indeed explains the FIG.
“By accepting Russian and Belarusian gymnasts to compete as independent neutral athletes, the FIG guarantees that the rights of all athletes are respected and sends a message to the world that gymnastics seeks peace,” said the president of the Federation, Morinari Watanabe, quoted in a press release.
With this decision, the FIG in turn follows the recommendation of the IOC Executive Board to the letter. A roadmap already adopted by several international sports federations such as those of archery, fencing, judo, triathlon or even wrestling.
Bonuses for French Olympic medalists revised upwards
On the occasion of the Olympic and Paralympic Council which was held on Wednesday at the Elysee Palace, Emmanuel Macron wanted the bonuses granted to medalists and their staff during the Paris 2024 Games to be increased.
If nothing is official yet, the increase should be between 5,000 and 15,000 euros, according to information from “Parisien” and “L’Equipe”. A gold medal should thus bring in 80,000 euros, silver 40,000 and bronze 20,000 euros.
2023-07-20 08:20:08
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