With less than 135 days remaining until the much-anticipated 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, athletes from across the globe are eagerly preparing for an unforgettable showdown. However, the ongoing drama and debates surrounding the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes continue to ignite controversy.

Despite the confirmation by the IOC in December 2023 that Russian and Belarusian athletes will participate in the Paris Olympics as neutral competitors, discontent persists, notably echoed by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. Yet, in the wake of Mayor Hidalgo’s unwelcoming remarks, the Russian Olympic Committee remains steadfast in its optimism for the upcoming Summer Games.

Russian Olympic Committee’s positive outlook

According to Rossiya Segodnya, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for Russian athletes participating in the Olympics, but he also raised concerns about how Russia’s participation might be portrayed. Yet the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) has decided not to boycott the Paris Olympics later this year, despite some restrictions placed on Russian and Belarusian athletes by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The president of the ROC, Stanislav Pozdnyakov, said they will always support their athletes and won’t boycott the games. However, he said, “But we stress that the conditions set by the IOC are illegitimate, unfair and unacceptable.”

Initially, Russian and Belarusian athletes were banned from competing internationally after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Now only individual athletes from Russia and Belarus will be allowed to compete, and no teams from these countries will participate as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs). Athletes who actively support the war in Ukraine or are part of the Russian or Belarusian military won’t be eligible to compete. Yet, despite these stringent rules, the Russian Olympic Committee has shown a positive perspective. These words from Stanislav Pozdnyakov also come despite the Paris Mayor’s critical words towards the Russian athletes.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s unwelcoming message to Russian athletes

In an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed her hope that Russian athletes would be barred from participating in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris and attending the opening ceremony as well. The mayor conveyed her sentiment, stating, “I prefer that they don’t come.” 

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Hidalgo defended her stance by sharing, “We cannot act as if Russia’s invasion of Ukraine did not exist,” and further adding that she perceives Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian regime as a threat to Europe. In light of this update, what do you feel about these situations? Comment below!

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