World Athletics has reaffirmed its stance on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international competitions, extending their ban until a peace agreement is reached in Ukraine. The decision, announced by World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, underscores the organization’s unwavering commitment to maintaining sanctions amid the ongoing war.
The ban, initially imposed in March 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has been repeatedly reviewed but remains firmly in place. While other sporting federations have started allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under neutral status, World Athletics has opted for a stricter policy.
Sebastian Coe reiterated the rationale behind the extension, stating: “Our position remains clear: as long as the war persists and no peace agreement is in place, Russian and Belarusian athletes will not be allowed to compete in World Athletics events.”
The continued ban means that Russian and Belarusian athletes will be absent from major competitions, including the World Athletics Championships and the Paris 2024 Olympics. This decision affects elite track and field athletes who have been unable to compete on the global stage for more than two years.
Despite appeals from some athletes and sporting bodies, World Athletics has remained steadfast in its approach, citing the need for consistency and integrity in global sports governance. While athletes from both nations can still train and compete domestically, their exclusion from international events significantly impacts their careers and rankings.
World Athletics’ policy contrasts with that of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which has permitted Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate under neutral status in certain events. Similarly, sports like tennis and cycling have adopted more lenient stances, allowing competitors from these nations to continue under individual designations.
However, Coe and World Athletics maintain that the severity of the situation in Ukraine justifies the continuation of the ban. “We must hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and ensure that our actions reflect the gravity of the war,” Coe added.
The future of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international track and field remains uncertain, entirely dependent on the resolution of the war in Ukraine. Until a peace agreement is reached, World Athletics appears unwilling to reconsider its stance.
For now, the organization remains one of the few major sporting bodies maintaining a complete exclusion, signaling its firm stance against aggression and its commitment to global sporting integrity.
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