The return of Russian and Belarusian athletes and athletes to international competitions has been put on the negotiating table, since 2023 is the pre-Olympic year. Most of her International Olympic Committee — and especially its president, Thomas Bach — are reportedly in favor of a return, but the green light must be given in such a way that the Paris event is not threatened by a boycott that… makes a German’s worst nightmare come true.” Immortal”.

The boycott by Western countries of the Olympic Games in Moscow (1980) was the reason for the early completion of the athlete’s Olympic career. The IOC President, who has repeatedly mentioned in his interviews about athletes who have lost their Olympic dream due to boycotts, began a series of consultations to find the golden ratio. The first discussions took place between the members of the Olympic committees, after which a teleconference was held with the presidents of the federations. Yesterday, Bach spoke with the presidents of the committees, after which a video conference was held with representatives of the athletes. The question of the return or non-return of Russian and Belarusian athletes will be one of the main items on the agenda of the IOC Executive Committee, which will be held in the format of a teleconference on February 15. The decision must be made immediately, because the qualifying competitions for the 2024 Olympics have already begun.

So far, it turns out that the majority is for the return of athletes from the blocked countries, but in a neutral status, that is, without their flags and national anthems. Bach made no secret of his fears that the return might prompt some countries to boycott the Olympics. Of course, on the other hand, there is a risk that the event will be boycotted by friendly countries close to Russia. This is one of the most difficult… equations that he will have to solve in his final term as president of the IOC.