Countries Banned from Participating in Paris 2024 Olympics

The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics have sparked considerable discussion regarding the participation of athletes from various nations. Thirteen countries have been banned from the Olympics in the past for reasons such as war, doping, political stances or violations of IOC rules.

Here’s a detailed look at which countries are facing bans and why:

1. Russia

Russia has been banned from the Paris 2024 Olympics due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The IOC has taken a firm stance against the country’s involvement in the invasion, leading to the exclusion of Russian athletes from competing under their national flag.

2. Belarus

Following suit with Russia, Belarus has also been banned from participating in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Belarusian athletes, like their Russian counterparts, will only be allowed to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (INA) if they meet the stringent criteria set by the IOC.

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Criteria for Individual Neutral Athletes (INA)

Athletes from banned countries who wish to compete must adhere to several key conditions:

• Non-Support of the War: Athletes must not have actively supported the war in Ukraine.
• Vetting Process: They must pass a thorough vetting process conducted by their national federation and the IOC.

Controversy and Criticism

The decision to allow any participation from Russia and Belarus has been met with mixed reactions. Some critics argue that it undermines the severity of the invasion, while others believe in separating sports from politics.

IOC President Thomas Bach has defended the decision, emphasizing the role of athletes as peace ambassadors.

This ban significantly impacts the overall participation and competitiveness of the Games. Notably, the exclusion of Russia and Belarus, traditionally strong contenders in various sports, changes the dynamics of the competition.

Despite the bans, the IOC aims to convey a strong message of peace and unity. Athletes from these nations competing as INAs symbolize a stand against aggression and a commitment to the Olympic values of peace and solidarity.