The International Olympic Committee (IOC) did not really decide anything on Tuesday in Lausanne, but only officially recommended something. Namely, that Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to take part in international competitions again.
Not all and certainly not all teams and only the athletes who have nothing to do with the war (do not want to?). And: As far as participation in the Olympics is concerned, let’s see.
It’s soft as wax and little at first, but at its core it’s a landslide. The IOC, headed by former Putin intimate Thomas Bach, is pushing the door wide open for Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to world sport. Yes, knock out the door frame at the same time.
After the attack on Ukraine began, most professional associations followed an IOC recommendation to exclude the athletes. It is unlikely that they will now backtrack in unison and welcome a return to Russian sport. The IOC has acted without fear of an impending wave of protests, a Ukrainian boycott and a crucial test of international sport.
There is certainly the question of how sensible it is to exclude athletes from Russia and Belarus in view of the political situation in the world. There is the argument that the individuals can do nothing for the politics of their country. It can be countered that the activists are also part of these political systems.
The powerful in Russia and Belarus pride themselves on their successes. The athletes are ambassadors of their country. Your exclusion from Olympic sport is justified. The IOC will divide international sport with Tuesday’s push, while keeping the sporting scene together.
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Source: Tagesspiegel
Brayden White, a veteran sports writer at Global Happening, brings his wealth of knowledge and expertise to the sports section. With over a decade of experience, he is committed to delivering high-quality coverage of the latest games and events.
