Who are neutral athletes in Paris Olympics 2024?

IOC allows Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals at Paris Olympics 2024 under strict conditions.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, supported by Belarus, in February 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended prohibiting Russian and Belarusian athletes from international events. In January 2023, the IOC announced that these athletes could compete as neutrals.

The Russian Olympic Committee was suspended in October 2023 after absorbing Ukrainian regional sports organisations. Despite debates and concerns, particularly from Ukrainian athletes, the IOC Executive Board decided it would be unfair to punish athletes based solely on their nationality, allowing some to compete in Paris under strict conditions.

The IOC designated athletes from Russia or Belarus who met specific requirements as non-combatants and non-supporters of the Russian War with Ukraine as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), known in French as “Athlètes Individuel Neutres.” Those who signed IOC declarations affirming these conditions could compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The IOC established the Individual Neutral Athlete Eligibility Review Panel (AINERP) to evaluate athletes’ eligibility. In lieu of national flags, INAs might potentially wear a distinctive flag. Despite representing themselves individually, AINs retain the opportunity to compete for medals. Notably, in team events, there will be no representation of Russian or Belarusian flags due to sanctions imposed on these countries.

The eligibility conditions for Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 are stringent and based on specific criteria outlined by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). AINs, who hold Russian or Belarusian passports, must have qualified through the existing qualification systems of their respective International Federations (IFs) in sports. They are subject to the same rules and regulations as all other Olympic athletes, including stringent anti-doping measures.

Furthermore, no symbols or identifications of Russia or Belarus will be displayed at the Games, and no government officials from these countries will be invited or accredited.

There are 31 AINs from Belarus and Russia who qualified for the Paris Olympics and they are expected to participate across various sports. Notable names include Daniil Medvedev in tennis, Ilya Shymanovich in swimming, Zakhar Petrov in canoeing, Ivan Litvinovich in gymnastics and Yauheni Tsikhantsou in weightlifting