IOC defends return of Russian and Belarusian junior athletes with anthems and flags

The approved this Thursday (11) the recommendation for junior athletes to return to international competitions — including in team sports — with the right to use their national anthems and flags. The measure represents a relaxation of restrictions imposed since the start of the war in Ukraine, but does not change the rules applied to professional athletes.

The proposal, defined yesterday by the IOC executive board, had not yet been made public. It was validated by representatives of international federations during the 14th Olympic Summit, held in Lausanne, which also brings together national Olympic committees, athletes and anti-doping entities. Despite the endorsement, the federations warned that implementation should occur gradually.

According to the IOC, the decision takes into account that “athletes, especially young people, should not be held responsible for the actions of their governments”. The entity also stated that sport continues to be “a source of hope” and a space where everyone can compete under equal rules and with mutual respect.

While young people get the green light to compete under their national identities, professional athletes from Russia and Belarus remain subject to current regulations. They continue to be authorized to participate in international events only as individuals, under a neutral flag, and as long as they have not expressed support for the war and are not part of the armed forces or security services.

Sports directors from both countries remain banned from participating in global competitions, and the holding of international events on Russian territory remains banned. The sanctions have been in place since February 2022, when the invasion of Ukraine began.

Held annually in December and behind closed doors, the Olympic Summit usually anticipates guidelines that are later officially adopted by the IOC and international federations.