USOPC seeks clarity on neutrality criteria for Russian and Belarusian athletes ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has called for clarification on “the prerequisites for neutrality” before Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The USOPC has expressed sympathy with Ukraine and its athletes and has suggested a process to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in a “fully neutral” manner. However, if a ban on these athletes is not maintained, Ukraine has threatened to boycott the Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stated that it will explore a process for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete. The USOPC is concerned about how the IOC will determine the criteria for a neutral athlete and believes that only truly neutral athletes who are clean should be allowed to compete.

The IOC has urged Ukraine to drop its boycott threats, citing the promotion of peace through sport. However, Ukraine’s President has maintained that Russian participation in the Olympics cannot be covered up with “pretend neutrality or a white flag.”

The UK government has encouraged Olympic sponsors to support a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes at the 2024 Paris Games and to pressure the IOC on this matter. The US was represented at a summit hosted by the UK government in February, where the issue was discussed.

Overall, the USOPC is seeking clarity on the criteria for neutrality for Russian and Belarusian athletes and is committed to ensuring that only truly neutral and clean athletes are allowed to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics.