Russia is so little in Olympia in Paris
The former sports powerhouse Russia is represented in Paris with a mini squad - and all national symbolism is banned. The background is Moscow's war of aggression against Ukraine. Almost half of the Russian athletes, who are allowed to start under a neutral flag, come from a single sport, others have declined to participate.
According to official statements, only 15 Russian athletes will participate in the Olympics in Paris. This is evident from the final list of athletes accepted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Nearly half of the Russian athletes, who are allowed to start under a neutral flag, are tennis players. They have already been present at international tournaments.
The most famous name on the list is Daniil Medvedev, the US Open champion of 2021, who lost in the Wimbledon semifinals to the later winner Carlos Alcaraz from Spain. In addition, Roman Safiullin, Pavel Kotov, Ekaterina Alexandrova, Mirra Andreeva, Diana Schnaider, and Elena Vesnina will compete in tennis among women. Tennis star Andrey Rublev, who won the gold medal in mixed doubles at the Tokyo Games and currently ranks eighth in the world rankings, declined the invitation to start as a neutral athlete in Paris.
Furthermore, Tamara Dronova, Aljona Ivantshenko, and Gleb Syritsa will compete in cycling, and Sachar Petrow, Alexej Korowaschkow, and Olesja Romasenko in canoeing. In addition, Evgeny Somov will compete in swimming, and Anastasia Bladzewa in gymnastics.
Belarus sends 16 athletes
Sixteen athletes from Belarus have been accepted. They also have to start under a neutral flag. For athletes from both countries, it is also forbidden to play their national anthem, display national symbols and flags. Teams are excluded. To be eligible for admission, the athletes must have no connection to the army and security services and have not actively supported the war in Ukraine. The IOC set up a commission of three members to review the admission conditions.
Originally, more Russian athletes were accepted; they or their sports federations have, however, renounced participation under these conditions. The Games will be opened on July 26 in Paris.
Despite Russia's attack on Ukraine, some Russian tennis players, such as Daniil Medvedev and Ekaterina Alexandrova, will compete in the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris, although notable names like Andrey Rublev declined the invitation. On the other hand, Belarus, also embroiled in political controversies, will send a team of 16 athletes to the Olympics in Paris, mandated to participate under a neutral flag and without any national symbolism.
