Russian and Belarusian talents may soon be allowed to fly the flag again at international competitions. Does this decision by an Olympic summit send a signal?
11.12.2025, 19:10
SDA
The IOC is further relaxing the access restrictions for athletes from Russia and Belarus for international competitions. In future, junior athletes and teams from both countries will once again be able to compete under their own flag and with their own anthem.
This recommendation was made at an Olympic summit in Lausanne. The prerequisite is that the respective national association is not suspended by the responsible international governing body.
Accordingly, all athletes would have "a fundamental right to access to sport worldwide and to participate freely in competitions without political interference or pressure from state organizations". However, implementation at international competitions by the relevant governing bodies will take time, the International Olympic Committee's statement continued.
At international events for adult athletes, the previous rules will continue to apply, according to which athletes from Russia and Belarus may only participate as neutral participants after prior examination. Teams are completely excluded.
The Olympic summit took place under the chairmanship of IOC President Kirsty Coventry in Lausanne with the participation of important sports umbrella organizations. A larger group of Russians and Belarusians could take part in the upcoming Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo after the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) cleared the way for them to take part in qualifying competitions.
