Understanding Neutral Athletes
In the context of the Olympic Games, a peculiar group of competitors has attracted attention: the Neutral Individual Athletes (NIA). Made up of athletes from Russia and Belarus, these athletes compete in different disciplines without the support of their respective nations, that is, without a flag and without anthem.
The Path to Neutrality
The situation of the Russian athletes is not new. Already at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and during the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, the athletes presented themselves as ROC (Russian Olympic Committee) due to previous sanctions for doping scandals. This decision was the result of a series of drastic decisions taken by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after uncovering an organised doping scheme involving numerous Russian sports figures.
The Consequences of the Ukrainian Conflict
The panorama changed abruptly after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which led the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to recommend the exclusion of athletes from Russia and Belarus from the next Olympic Games in Paris. However, after significant debate, it was decided to allow a limited number of athletes to participate under the condition of competing as AIN, a concept that seeks to maintain a balance between inclusivity and international responsibility.
Limitations and Conditions of Participation
Although the IOC has finally accepted the registration of these competitors, their participation comes with restrictions. Not only must they wear a uniform without national insignia, but they will also not be allowed to refer to their countries of origin. In addition, the IOC set a limit of 83 athletes for this category, with a total of 36 Russians and 22 Belarusians confirmed.
Opening Ceremony and Protocol
The participation regime also affects their visibility during the event. According to the IOC, none of the neutral athletes will take part in the opening parade, and no accreditation will be granted to representatives of the Russian or Belarusian governments, an attempt to keep this competition as neutral as possible.
The Future of Neutral Athletes
The inclusion of AINs in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games raises questions about the future of athletes in similar situations. As geopolitical tensions continue, the sporting community must consider how to balance inclusion with responsibility – a challenge that becomes increasingly complex at the intersection of sport and politics.