2023-12-26 05:56:24
The case of Russian and Belarusian athletes has been debated since the invasion of Ukraine almost two years ago. Like the entire Olympic movement, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) had suspended Russian riders, horses and officials since March 2, 2022 after the outbreak of the conflict, a decision confirmed and extended until further notice.
But on December 8, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved their participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (July 26 – August 11), but under a neutral banner (without flag, emblem or anthem). Unlike most other disciplines, equestrian has decided to definitively settle this question now. Russia and Belarus will be absent from the equestrian events at the Olympics.
The FEI announced in a press release: “Under the Olympic qualification systems for equestrian, individual qualification is ensured by the FEI Olympic rankings for show jumping, dressage and eventing, which cover the period from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. Russian and Belarusian athletes having not participated in FEI events since March 2, 2022, no representative of these nations will take part in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The FEI also clarified, in the same press release, that they would still remain suspended next year and that the rule also applied to the Paralympic Games.
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