Athletes from Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The head of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), Sebastian Coe, announced this at a conference in Monaco, his words were quoted by AFP.
Previously, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to participate in the 2024 Olympics in a neutral status — without a flag, anthem, colors or any other state symbols.
The IOC release said all athletes must meet strict requirements to qualify. In particular, athletes who actively support the war will not be allowed to compete. Athletes who have contracts with the Russian and Belarusian military, as well as with the national security agencies of these countries will also not be selected.
“You may well see “neutral” athletes in Paris. athletes from Russia and Belarus, but not in athletics <…> The position that our sport has taken and has consistently taken remains unchanged,” Coe said, noting that the IAAF has the primary right to make decisions on the eligibility of athletes.