IOC advises allowing Russian youth teams and athletes to compete with flag and anthem

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is allowing youth teams and athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their national flags and anthems. This decision acknowledges athletes' "fundamental right to access sport" without political pressure.

The IOC's updated strategy was set during an Olympic Summit led by president Kirsty Coventry. However, each sport's governing body must decide how to apply these changes, as some may face resistance, especially in Europe. Russian teams have been barred from several international events since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but some athletes are returning under neutral status for upcoming competitions.