Bach said that experts will study exactly how Bolshunov serves in the National Guard

IOC continues to respond to questions raised following recommendations

The IOC Executive Committee recommended that international federations allow Russian athletes to start as neutral athletes, naming a number of criteria. One of them involves refusing to enter international competitions for athletes who have a contract with military structures. Thomas Bach clarifies that there must be criteria in this matter as well. “A very difficult question.”

At a press conference on Thursday after the IOC Executive Board meeting, Thomas Bach said that when making this decision (which of the athletes associated with the military structures can be allowed to start, and who will not receive permission), it is also necessary to establish criteria.

The IOC President answered the question, what does the wording “contract with the army” mean and will the skier Alexander Bolshunov be able to take part in international competitions? Alexander Bolshunov is the captain of the National Guard, holds the position of a highly qualified sports instructor for a sports team under the administration of the Ural District of the National Guard Troops.

Bach said that in order to clarify the criterion for links with military structures, the IOC requested the opinion of military and sports experts. “This is necessary in order to separate those who do the compulsory military service that Russia has and those who continue to serve in the army of their own free will.” And each case should be considered separately. Thomas Bach clarified that the IOC recommends that international federations get answers to these questions from experts so that independent commissions that will study the candidacies of athletes for admission take this issue into account. “We need to come to the point where the general rules apply to all sports.”