ROC considers Russia’s participation in the 2024 Olympics or return no earlier than 2026

The Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), despite the sanctions in force against Russian sports, is considering the possibility of Russian participation in the 2024 Summer Olympics, which will be held in Paris. This was announced by the head of the committee Stanislav Pozdnyakov. At the same time, according to him, there is a possibility that Russian athletes will not be able to return to the world sports arena until 2026.

“We are preparing to get involved in wrestling at any moment. We are considering two options: participation in the 2024 Games and a full return no earlier than 2026. We are preparing for both options,” said Mr. Pozdnyakov during a meeting of the ROC executive committee (quote from RIA Novosti).

Mr. Pozdnyakov noted that there are no prerequisites for extending the restrictions. “Never heard from Thomas Bach (President of the International Olympic Committee.— “b”), nor from other officials that they do not want to see Russian athletes at tournaments. There are aggressive countries, but they are in the minority,” he added.

After the start of the Russian military operation in Ukraine, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended sports federations not to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete, and also not to invite officials from these countries. The ROC called the IOC statement contrary to the Olympic Charter.

In December 2019, the Court of Arbitration for Sport deprived The Russian Anti-Doping Agency of the status of compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and suspended the Russians from participating in international competitions for four years. In 2020, the period of restrictions was reduced to two years, thus, the Russians until December 16, 2022 cannot compete in major international competitions under the flag of Russia.

Milena Kostereva