Paris mayor supports reintegrating Russia into Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is currently exploring ways to reinstate Russia and Belarus into Olympic competitions. This investigation comes after the IOC imposed a broad suspension on the two countries following the outbreak of conflict in Ukraine eleven months ago.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, whose city is hosting the 2024 Olympics, has expressed her support for measures that could pave the way for Russia and Belarus to return to the Olympic fold. The IOC emphasized that while athletes have a right to compete under the Olympic Charter, sanctions against the governments of both nations will remain in effect. Athletes will need to meet certain criteria, including strict compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency code, to be deemed eligible for competition. Additionally, the IOC stated that athletes could be disqualified if they show support for military actions.

Meanwhile, the Olympic Council of Asia has officially invited athletes from Russia and Belarus to take part in the Asian Games scheduled for September. This invitation could create a pathway for athletes from both countries to qualify for the Olympics, potentially easing significant barriers to their participation in the 2024 Games in Paris.

This move has drawn criticism from Ukraine, with President Vladimir Zelensky proclaiming on Telegram that he conveyed to French President Emmanuel Macron that Russians should have “no place” in France next year.

However, Anne Hidalgo has a different perspective. She argues that “it’s a time for athletes and that you shouldn’t deprive athletes of their competition.” Hidalgo expresses the hope that there will not be a Russian delegation under their national banner, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many within the global sports community. She added, “Of course the Games are taking place in a geopolitical time. I hope the war in Ukraine will be behind us when we welcome the Paris Games.”

Sanya Singh for TROIB News