Russia under neutral banner at the Olympics: the IOC will “bury the Olympic movement” according to Putin

2023-12-14 14:45:12

Vladimir Putin is not satisfied with the participation of the Russians in the Paris Olympics. At least not in that way. By requiring Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate under a neutral banner next summer, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) risks “burying the Olympic movement” according to Vladimir Putin.

“If (international sports officials) continue to act in the same way, they will bury the Olympic movement. The very idea of ​​Olympism is suffering today,” he castigated during his major annual press conference organized in Moscow, for his first reaction to the IOC decision.

Last Friday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that it would authorize Russian and Belarusian athletes to take part in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games under a neutral banner. A similar decision had already been taken at the end of September for Paralympic athletes.

“A half-victory for Vladimir Putin”

The Russians will therefore be present, but not wearing outfits in the colors of their country. No officials either, no national anthem and even fewer white, blue and red flags on the sites of the next Games in France. You should also not expect to see a massive delegation parade, as the conditions for participation are so strict.

Exit athletes who have shown active support for the war in Ukraine, exit athletes under contract with the army or with one of the national security agencies. Also no more team events. Only “neutral individual” athletes are thus concerned. It is still necessary to have been able to overcome the obstacle of qualifications. Eight Russian athletes and three Belarusian athletes meet these criteria today.

Lukas Aubin, research director at IRIS, specialist in the geopolitics of sport and Russia, spoke in our columns of “a half-victory for Vladimir Putin”, which put “the foot in the door of major international sporting events ”, without being able to “be satisfied with this decision”. The proof in his speech this Thursday.