While an average of 200 countries are invited to the Olympics every two years, Russia has not received a formal invitation since 2016. In 2017, the International Olympic Committee suspended Russia from participating in the Olympic Games for doping that had been state-sponsored. This discovery was made in 2016 by a whistleblower, one who uncovers fraudulent or illegal behavior. After two years of suspension, Russia was then banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency during 2019 for four years. In response to a 2020 appeal, the punishment was then shortened to two years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to a ban that was supposed to end in December of 2022. This was less than a year after the 2022 Olympic Games held in Beijing, China. During this time, Russian athletes who qualify for independent sports would have to compete “neutrally,” with no flags, nor an anthem. These athletes were given the title of “Olympic Athlete from Russia.” This punishment for Russia was supposed to conclude at the end of 2022. However, one week after the 2022 Winter Olympics ended (February 20), Russia invaded Ukraine. In return to Russia’s ongoing involvement in the war against Ukraine, Russian athletes will continue to hold the title of Individual Neutral Athlete rather than represent their country. Because punishments are necessary for Russia’s mass destruction of Ukraine, I believe that Russian athletes should be given the chance to compete in the Olympics, but they should compete under the neutral Olympic Athlete from Russia flag.
Is this fair to the athletes that don’t support Russia’s endeavors but are forced to compete independently? While it is unfortunate for the athletes that do not represent Russia’s ideals, they are ultimately grouped in the same category as the athletes that do support Russia and the war against Ukraine, by the public’s eye. Rules will never be able to represent the ideals of every individual from Russia, though not all Russian athletes represent the values Russia is projecting to the world. It is not fair for them to be associated with those who do. These enforced rules heavily impact those athletes that are forced to compete independently, rather than represent a country. While other athletes are competing with their teammates, Russian athletes are forced to individually compete. The lack of a team can affect one’s performance in several ways. Teammates provide a sense of confidence, motivation, and pressure can feel lighter.
On the other hand, the de-association of Russian athletes would place more emphasis, to an extent, on their sports ability and performance as opposed to discourse that centers around the country they represent even if they are an athlete obliged to follow the rules and regulations of the country. By separating athletes from their national identity in international competitions, the focus can shift towards their dedication, skills, and achievements within their respective sports. This can foster a more equitable environment where athletes are judged based on their merit and talent rather than the unfair association with geopolitical issues beyond their control. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for athletes to showcase their abilities on a global platform, independent of the political climate or diplomatic tensions between nations. In light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, such separation from political tensions is not only advantageous but essential for creating unity and celebrating athletic achievement on an international scale. By separating these athletes from their country, the ability of sport unifies people across political divisions for the benefit of society as a whole.
Many countries such as Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, have threatened to boycott the Olympics if Russian athletes were even allowed to attend the Olympics, neutral or not. The International Olympic Committee has graciously decided to permit Russian athletes to compete but under a neutral flag, as what was previously done. Whether or not these countries have officially decided on to boycott the Olympics remains unknown.
Regardless, Russian athletes are fortunate enough to have this opportunity despite the many allegations against their country. They are still able to showcase their skill on a global scale, which is at least beneficial to their career or what they want to do as an athlete. In light of the need for repercussions following Russia’s extensive harm to Ukraine, I advocate for Russian athletes to be afforded the opportunity to participate in the Olympics, but under the neutral Olympic Athlete from Russia flag.
