Sports Intelligence Report
After being largely forced away from international sport following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian athletes are having a relatively positive December with limited returns for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
During this period:
- Russian swimmers were allowed to compete as “neutrals” at the World Short Course Swimming Championships in Budapest, HUNGARY from December 10-15, winning 10 medals, including six gold, while setting a world record in the 4x100m relay.
- The International Skating Federation decided to invite a very limited number of Russian athletes to participate in the Olympic qualifying events for the 2025-2026 season in figure skating, speed skating and ice sports, on condition of verifying that they do not support the war against Ukraine.
However, Russian sports officials remain cautious about these advances. The Russian Minister of Sports and President of the Russian Olympic Committee, Mikhail Degtyarevsaid Friday:
“The process of a full return to international sport will be difficult, but events like the International Skating Federation's decision to allow our athletes to participate in Olympic qualifying while remaining in neutral status, as well as the successful performance of our swimmers at the World Championships, represent important steps in this direction. »
“It’s definitely better than a permanent divorce and self-isolation. »
“We will continue to develop this trend, supporting our athletes and systematically improving the conditions for their participation in international competitions. This process requires time, great effort and the unity of our community. »
Following the total ban in February 2022, several Summer Olympic federations allowed the participation of Russian athletes as “neutrals” following an IOC directive in December 2023. The teams, on the other hand, are hit with a total ban.
Russia has qualified 48 athletes for Paris 2024 in eight sports (canoeing, cycling, gymnastics (trampoline), judo, swimming, taekwondo, tennis and wrestling) but, after the IOC's “neutrality” review, only 15 Russian athletes have were accepted in six disciplines: canoeing, cycling, gymnastics (trampoline), judo, swimming, taekwondo and tennis.
Regulations for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games are in preparation, with the International Skating Federation keen to take the lead before the IOC speaks on the issue.
A complicating factor in this situation will be the IOC presidential election to be held in March in Greece. Russian comments suggest a preference for moderate candidates like the president of the cycling federation David Lappartient (FRA), or the head of gymnastics Morinari Watanabe (JPN), or the veteran member of the IOC Juan Antonio Samaranchall of which are seen as more open to allowing the participation of Russian athletes on the international stage.
Nevertheless, there are notable concerns about the election of the World Athletics president, Sebastian Coe (GBR), which could result in a total ban for Russians. Russian athletes remain excluded from international athletics competitions.
Sports Minister Degtyarev does not lose sight of these issues.
Good to know
- The results of individual Russian athletes may be different from those of collective teams, which remain prohibited.
- The “neutral” status for Russian athletes is a subject of debate among international sports federations.
- The evolving situation could also influence the next international sporting competitions and events planned in the years to come.
