Reacting to the mounting international criticism over the potential inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics, IOC president Thomas Bach has hit back this week by insisting that the organisation is not on the wrong side of history.
"The Olympic Games cannot prevent wars and conflicts. Nor can they address all the political and social challenges in our world. This is the realm of politics," he said.
The statement from the IOC went on to say, “Our mission has always been to promote peace through sport. Peace-building efforts need dialogue. A competition with athletes who respect the Olympic Charter can serve as a catalyst for dialogue, which is always a first step to achieving peace. The entire Olympic Movement reiterates the call we made one year ago to all the political leaders of the world: "Give Peace a Chance."
Although it is abundantly apparent that this seems to be a difficult issue for Thomas Bach and the IOC to adjudicate, for others it’s a black and white issue. For many, Russia’s blatant contempt for International law and its disregard for the principles of the Olympic charter should disqualify its countrymen and women from participation at the Games.
Last Friday, 10th February 2023, the UK hosted a summit meeting of nations to discuss the possible participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in Paris. At its conclusion, UK culture secretary Lucy Frazer said the IOC's plans were "not credible" and in a joint statement, 35 countries including USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia and Poland, have pledged their ongoing support for a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes competing at the Olympic Games and all international sporting competitions for the foreseeable future. In my view this indicates just how ill-judged the stance adopted by the IOC is and, why, in spite of its noble intentions, it is on the wrong side of history. It seems unthinkable that the IOC would risk everything by potentially invoking a boycott by 36 countries, (Ukraine being the additional signatory), rendering the Games utterly meaningless, but time will tell.
To read the joint statement in full please see the following link:
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