All Russian athletes are again welcome to compete in the Olympics.
This is announced by the IOC.
– We are disappointed by the announcement, says SOK chairman Hans von Uthmann.
The first time Russian athletes will be allowed to compete in the Olympic Games again is in Los Angeles in 2028. And that applies regardless of political stance.
The International Olympic Committee, IOC, is now lifting the suspension implemented as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it writes on its homepage.
– We are disappointed by this announcement, but respect the decision. We will continue to express our Swedish stance on the matter, says the Swedish Olympic Committee’s, SOK’s, chairman Hans von Uthmann in a statement.
The Russian Olympic Committee (ROK) has been suspended since October 12, 2023.
– The situation in Ukraine has not changed and thus neither has our attitude on the issue, says von Uthmann.
However, SOK has no plans for a boycott.
– No, we do not believe in boycotts. We want to give Swedish athletes the chance to compete in the Olympics. We think it is our active members who should be there and compete. If there are active participants who want to withdraw from the competition, we will of course support them.
According to the IOC, the decision has been made after a “thorough analysis”. It is believed that the ROK no longer includes “any regional sports organizations in territories under the jurisdiction of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine as its members”.
The IOC has not yet decided whether the Russian flag, national anthem and colors will be displayed during the Olympics. The Russian athletes returning to international competition must meet all relevant anti-doping requirements.
The text is updated!
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