On April 21, 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that it had denied invitations to both Russia and Belarus to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics. This decision comes one year prior to the opening ceremony of the event, which is scheduled for July 23, 2024.
The IOC cited a number of reasons for its decision, including the fact that both countries have been accused of violating international law and human rights. The IOC also noted that both countries have failed to meet the Olympic Charter’s standards of fair play and respect for the Olympic spirit.
The decision to deny Russia and Belarus invitations to the 2024 Paris Olympics has been met with mixed reactions from the international community. Some have praised the IOC for taking a stand against countries that have violated international law and human rights. Others, however, have criticized the IOC for making a decision that could potentially harm athletes from both countries who have trained hard and worked hard to qualify for the Olympics.
It is important to note that this decision does not necessarily mean that athletes from Russia and Belarus will be barred from competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The IOC has stated that athletes from both countries can still compete if they meet certain criteria, such as being part of a team from another country or competing as an individual athlete.
The IOC’s decision to deny invitations to Russia and Belarus one year prior to the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics is a significant one. It sends a strong message to countries that violate international law and human rights that they will not be welcomed at the Olympics. At the same time, it is important to remember that athletes from both countries still have an opportunity to compete if they meet certain criteria.
