Olympic Games: Russians and Belarus won’t march

Outside a parade at the opening ceremony of 2024, athletes from Belarus and Belarus were placed, the IOC announced today. A development expected, considering the International Olympic Committee’s already taken decision to compete in Paris as independent “neutrals”, without bearing the symbols of their countries. The cause is the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the decision will affect around 60 athletes from both countries. “They will not participate in the opening ceremony parade, as they are independent athletes. However, they have the opportunity to experience the Olympic Games,” says the IOC. These athletes can be present at the opening ceremony, but not at the parade that for the first time will not take place within the Olympic Stadium, but participants will sail the Seine with boats. The athletes from Russia, Belarus will have the right to compete once their candidacy is approved by a three-member IOC committee. The criteria are enough and among them the attitude they have held on the issue of war. Athletes who actively support the Russian invasion do not have the right to participate.