Russia’s Limited Participation in the Paris Olympic Games Amid Ongoing Conflict

Russia’s Participation in the Paris Olympic Games

Over 10,500 athletes hailing from approximately 200 nations are set to compete in the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. However, amidst this grand spectacle, only 15 athletes will represent Russia, and they will do so without the Russian flag or the accompaniment of the national anthem. This marks a significant departure from the past, as for the first time since 1984, state television in Russia will not broadcast the competition. Furthermore, the Russian media has shown minimal interest in the Games, often opting to highlight perceived shortcomings, which reflects a sense of bitterness.

News segments from Russian outlets have, for instance, reported on the extensive cleanup efforts of the Seine River, predicting that it will soon become sullied with sewage once again. Additionally, media commentators have expressed their disdain over a drag queen being chosen to carry the Olympic torch, a decision that starkly contrasts with Russia’s current focus on what it champions as “traditional values.” This is coupled with a growing crackdown on L.G.B.T.Q. expression within the country.

This situation signifies a dramatic decline for Russia, which has historically been an Olympic powerhouse. For many years, the country utilized the Olympic platform not only to showcase athletic prowess but also to project its power and cultivate a sense of national pride. Typically, Russia has dominated the final medal counts, finishing in the top ranks. However, this time, the nation is facing the consequences of its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, which began two years ago, alongside the daily turmoil that ensues there.

Banned from participating due to the war, Russia has chosen to adopt a stance of defiance against the Games. The government is framing this decision within the broader narrative propagated by President Vladimir V. Putin, which portrays Russia as engaged in a critical struggle against a Western alliance that seeks to humiliate the nation. As Dmitri Navosha, a Belarusian who co-founded a well-known sports website in Russia and has since left the country in opposition to the invasion of Ukraine, stated: “No one wants to recognize the real reason for the increased barriers to Russia’s participation. The reason is the war.” He added that in Russia, this reality is often obscured and recast as, “the West doesn’t like Russia, so they don’t let us go anywhere.”