The IOC will allow Russian athletes to compete again following a decision by its executive board on Tuesday to provisionally lift the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) that has been in place since early 2022, when the country invaded Ukraine. The organization had maintained that suspension through the Paris and Milan Cortina Olympic Games.
The IOC ended the suspension after it said its legal commission determined that the ROC no longer included regional sports organizations that would be governed by Ukraine’s national Olympic committee.
The decision has been expected as other sports organizations, including World Aquatics and World Gymnastics, have allowed Russian competitors back into the fold, and as the IOC has moved to a more neutral stance under Kirsty Coventry.
During the session last month, which marked the first anniversary of Coventry taking office, the IOC changed the Olympic Charter to further emphasize political neutrality, a move largely seen as a precursor to allowing Russians back into the Games.
“We made it clear that we wanted to ensure all athletes have the possibility to compete at the Olympic Games and not be held responsible for their government’s actions, and I believe that this is what this decision speaks to,” Coventry said. “It allows for Russian athletes to take part in sport competitions, but we’ve also been very clear that we do not condone any violence and war around the world.”
Despite several sanctions dating back to 2016, when a widespread doping regime run by the country during the Sochi Games was revealed, at least some Russians have competed as neutral athletes at Games since.
The IOC maintained that it would not organize events in Russia or invite government officials. It will decide later whether to allow the Russian flag, anthem and colors at the Games, protocols that have been limited for a decade since Russian’s doping system was first revealed.
