Overview
- The IOC executive board said Thursday that Belarusian athletes and teams can compete with their flag, anthem, and colors in events run by international federations.
- The guidance does not extend to Russia, whose Olympic committee remains suspended since October 2023 for absorbing bodies from occupied regions of Ukraine.
- International federations must now apply the change, and some, including World Aquatics, have already eased or lifted their own rules on Belarusian participation.
- The timing tracks the start of qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics this summer, which could let a Belarusian delegation enter under its flag and appear on the medal table if federations follow the advice.
- At recent Games, only vetted neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus could compete, with 32 total in Paris 2024 earning five medals, including a Belarusian gold in trampoline.