US backs Russians competing as neutrals in Olympics

05 Feb 2023 02:07pm

This handout file picture taken and released by the Ukrainian presidential press service on July 3, 2022, shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) meeting with International Olympic Committee President (IOC) Thomas Bach in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Jan 27, invited Bach to visit the frontline city of Bakhmut. In latest developments, the White House yesterday stated that the United Staes would back proposals to allow Russian and Belarussian athletes to compete in next year's Olympic Games in Paris as neutrals. - AFP

WASHINGTON - The United States has backed proposals to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete as neutrals in the Olympic Games, while opposing the display of their national flags or emblems, the White House said yesterday.

"The United States has supported suspending Russia and Belarus' sport national governing bodies from international sports federations," Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.

However, if athletes are invited to an international event, such as the Olympics, "it should be absolutely clear that they are not representing the Russian or Belarussian states," she said.

"The use of official state Russian, Belarussian flags, emblems and anthems should be prohibited as well."

The US position adds to a growing debate over the 2024 Paris Games.

Ukraine is calling for Russian athletes to be entirely banned over their country's brutal invasion of Ukraine, with Ukrainian athletes among the victims. Russia is pushing for all restrictions to be lifted, arguing that the Olympics should not be politicized.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said it is examining a "pathway" for Russians to take part in the summer Games, probably as neutral athletes. - AFP