By: Justine Catalan
The International Olympic Committee is reportedly working to find a solution that would allow Russian athletes to participate in the upcoming Olympic Games.
Russia’s return to Olympics
- Aside from Ukraine, the Latvian Olympic Committee was the first to announce their threat to boycott the Olympic Games in response to Russia’s potential participation. The call for a boycott marks a rare challenge within the sports world and pose a significant impact to the IOC’s plan.
- “For as long as there is an ongoing war in Ukraine, participation of the Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Olympic Games under any flag is unacceptable,” Zorzs Tikmers, the President of the Latvian Olympic Committee regarding their stance on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Olympic Games.
A form of coalition
- Latvia is calling on international sports organizations and countries such as Britain, France, and Canada to voice out their opposition against Russia and Belarus. Poland also believes that it is possible to form a coalition of around 40 countries including the aforementioned.
- According to a statement from the White House, the United States is also opposing on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Olympic Games. However, if the IOC permits the Russian and Belarusian athletes, the use of official Russian or Belarusian flags, emblems, or anthems should be prohibited.
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