Daniil Medvedev received an invitation from the IOC. © ANSA / NEIL HALL
The IOC Evaluation Commission has released a further 17 Olympic places for athletes from Russia and Belarus – but not all of them were used.
June 27, 2024
By: apa/dpa
According to a statement on Thursday, eight of these tickets will go to Russian tennis professionals, including former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev.
In mid-June, the first 25 athletes from Russia and Belarus were given permission to compete in the Olympics, but they are only allowed to compete in Paris under a neutral flag. The other nine places that have now been awarded go to Belarus. However, the IOC only listed six athletes, including two-time tennis Grand Slam winners Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka. Shooting (two of a possible three participants) and rowing (2/2) are also represented. The two tickets for the modern pentathlon remained unused – as of Thursday.
It is still unclear whether Aryna Sabalenka will compete in Paris or not. © ANSA / JUANJO MARTIN
Because of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, which is supported by Belarus, there had been long debates about the participation of athletes from these nations in the Olympics. To be admitted, athletes must have no connection to the army or security forces and must not have actively shown their support for the war in Ukraine. In addition, the anti-doping guidelines must be met. As an additional requirement, the IOC requires all athletes to sign a written commitment to the Olympic Charter and thus also to the “peace mission of the Olympic movement”.
Start only under neutral flag
Russians and Belarusians are only allowed to compete in Paris under a neutral flag. Their national anthem will not be played, and national symbols and flags are also prohibited. Teams are completely barred. The IOC has set up a three-person commission to examine the admission requirements. Overall, the IOC recently expected around 50 Russians and 28 Belarusians to be admitted to Paris. This would mean significantly fewer athletes from both countries than at the last Summer Games.
2024-06-27 19:42:25
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