Russian Athletes Compete as Individual Neutral Athletes Amid Controversy at Paris Olympics

Russian Athletes at the Olympics: A Complicated Status

Amid the backdrop of geopolitical tension following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, fifteen Russian athletes are competing at this year’s Olympic Games under the contentious designation of “Individual Neutral Athletes.” This status has led to a fraught atmosphere within the Olympic Village, where some athletes and officials have openly opposed their participation. Meanwhile, sentiment back in Russia is mixed; the Games are not being broadcast on television, and certain politicians and media figures have labeled those competing in Paris as traitors.

Despite the challenges, 20-year-old tennis player Diana Shnaider expressed her determination, stating, “We’re here to fight for ourselves,” and described the experience of attending her first Olympics as “amazing.” Shnaider, alongside fellow athlete Mirra Andreeva, made history by becoming the first Russians to secure a medal at the Paris Olympics, clinching a silver in women’s doubles on Sunday. The duo stood proudly on the podium, adorned in matching green-and-white tracksuits, as a green flag emblazoned with the acronym AIN — which stands for Individual Neutral Athlete in French — was raised in their honor.

The inclusion of Russian athletes has sparked significant controversy, particularly from the Ukrainian government and its Olympic committee, who have been vocal in their demand for the exclusion of Russian competitors from all international sporting events. In response to the IOC’s push to allow these athletes to compete as neutral participants, Ukraine briefly considered boycotting Olympic qualifying events that permitted Russian athletes to join but later modified their stance, recognizing the risk of their own athletes missing out on Olympic representation altogether.

Activists have taken to monitoring Russian athletes’ social media accounts in the lead-up to the Olympics, flagging posts that they believe demonstrate support for the ongoing conflict. After her loss in the finals on Sunday, Shnaider was asked about her social media interactions with these flagged posts, to which she replied, “I’m not going to answer anything about politics here.”

Ukrainian gold medalist Yaroslava Mahuchich also weighed in on the situation, questioning, “How can a terrorist be allowed to compete in a competition about peace?” She emphasized the contradiction inherent in the Olympic spirit, stating, “The Olympic Games are about peace. But Russia didn’t stop, and during these Games, there were massive attacks on Ukrainian cities.”

Of the 32 athletes competing under the neutral banner in Paris, 17 previously represented Belarus, while only 15 were affiliated with Russia. In stark contrast to the last Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, where over 300 Russian athletes participated, this year has seen a significant reduction in representation. Notably, many Russian teams in sports such as gymnastics and weightlifting opted out of qualifying rounds, protesting against the conditions that required them to compete as neutral athletes or submit to rigorous vetting procedures, including social media scrutiny. Some athletes had even accepted their Olympic invitations only to withdraw weeks before the Games commenced. The IOC has recorded 10 Russians and one Belarusian who “initially accepted but subsequently declined” their spots, leaving it unclear whether their withdrawal was influenced by pressure from their home country.

According to statistics from Norwegian broadcaster NRK, at least 82 athletes participating in this year’s Olympics were born in Russia, including those competing as neutral athletes. Among the 60+ athletes representing other nations, many have lived outside of Russia for years or relocated abroad during their childhood. Additionally, a portion of these athletes switched their sporting allegiance following Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.