World Sailing's Board has officially endorsed a proposal to permit the participation of Russians and Belarusians in competition starting April 2024
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Loading... - Laura McLean
- 24 May 2023
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This decision was reached during a meeting of the Board subsequent to the mid-year assembly of the World Sailing Council, wherein the reinstatement of athletes from these two nations was discussed.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board had initially recommended in March that individual athletes from Russia and Belarus should be allowed to compete again, provided they did not openly support the invasion of Ukraine or have any affiliations with the military. This revised stance deviated from the IOC's original position, which called for a complete ban following Vladimir Putin's invasion in February 2022.
World Sailing stated that Council members were afforded the opportunity to express their opinions, and although there was no official vote, there was a "clear majority" in favor of maintaining World Sailing's current stance. Consequently, the Semaine Olympique Française in April 2024 has been identified as the targeted event for Russian and Belarusian sailors to make their return to international competition.
Should Russia and Belarus be given clearance to participate in next year's Games, this event would provide them with opportunities to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics as neutral competitors.
World Sailing emphasized its continued support for the IOC's guidance and the underlying principles of Olympism outlined in the Olympic Charter. Furthermore, they highlighted the principles of non-discrimination towards athletes and the separation of sport and politics, which have been emphasized by both the IOC Executive Board and the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations Council.
The Board acknowledges that the IOC's recommendation to allow the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes as individual neutral competitors is rooted in the fundamental principles of Olympism. Regarding the timing of their return, it is ultimately up to the International Federations. However, the Board's decision remains consistent: April 2024 is the designated opportunity for Russian and Belarusian sailors, holding respective passports, to participate in international competitions as neutral athletes.
In terms of Olympic qualification, the Semaine Olympique Française currently provides an avenue for Russian and Belarusian sailors with neutral status to compete individually and strive to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
World Sailing reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine's sailing community during this extraordinarily challenging period.
Following the IOC's guidance, several other sports have also paved the way for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutral participants.
