Which Athletes Will Compete Under the Russian Flag at the Paralympics?

The upcoming Winter Paralympics will see the Russian flag flown for the first time since 2014, as six Russian and four Belarusian athletes have been granted permission to compete under their nations' flags following the lifting of a ban imposed due to political tensions and doping scandals. This marks a significant shift in the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) approach, especially in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the resulting sanctions.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

In a notable change to the landscape of the Winter Paralympics, the IPC has confirmed that athletes from Russia and Belarus will compete under their national flags at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Games from 6-15 March 2024. This decision follows the lifting of a ban that had been in place since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. The IPC's move comes amid complex geopolitical manoeuvrings and ongoing debates about fairness in sports following the state-sponsored doping allegations that have tainted Russian athletics for years.

Key takeaways

Six Russian and four Belarusian athletes will compete under their national flags.
This marks the first time since 2014 that the Russian flag will be present at the Paralympics.
The IPC lifted the ban in September 2023, allowing athletes to compete after an appeal by Russia and Belarus.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to this point has been marked by significant events:

2014: The Russian flag was last flown at the Sochi Winter Paralympics, overshadowed by a state-sponsored doping scandal.
February 2022: Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompted the IPC to suspend both Russian and Belarusian athletes from competition.
September 2023: The IPC lifted the ban, allowing athletes to compete under their flags.
December 2023: The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favour of Russia and Belarus, enabling their athletes to accumulate ranking points.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The IPC has confirmed the allocation of bipartite commission invitations to ten athletes from Russia and Belarus, allowing them to compete in various events at the Winter Paralympics. This decision follows the IPC's recent policy changes and the successful appeal by the athletes’ governing bodies.

What was already established

Prior to this announcement, the IPC had imposed a blanket ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes in response to international sanctions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. A partial ban was introduced in 2023, allowing some athletes to compete as neutral competitors, but this latest ruling marks a significant policy shift.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The reintroduction of Russian and Belarusian athletes might evoke mixed reactions among UK audiences, especially among those supporting Ukraine. However, the event could also boost interest in winter sports and the Paralympics, positively impacting viewership and related economic activities.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses involved in the sports sector, the participation of these athletes may open new sponsorship opportunities and increase engagement with winter sports, which could benefit local economies in areas hosting the events.

Policy and regulation

This decision may prompt further discussions about sports governance and the criteria for athlete eligibility in the face of geopolitical tensions. The IPC's actions will likely be scrutinised in future policy reforms regarding international sports conduct.

Numbers that matter

6: The number of Russian athletes competing at the Winter Paralympics.
4: The number of Belarusian athletes participating.
10: Total athletes from both nations awarded bipartite commission invitations.
2: Slots awarded to Russia in Para-alpine skiing for both male and female competitors.
3: Female athletes from Belarus competing in Para-cross country skiing.

Definitions and jargon buster

IPC: International Paralympic Committee, the global governing body for the Paralympic movement.
Bipartite Commission Invitations: A method of entry for athletes who may not have qualified through standard pathways due to specific circumstances.
FIS: Fédération Internationale de Ski, the governing body for international skiing and snowboarding competitions.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the Winter Paralympics approach, UK sports fans will likely focus on the athletes’ performances and the implications of their participation. Monitoring the reactions from the sports community and sponsors will be essential.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the Games, the IPC’s policies will come under further scrutiny, and discussions around the integrity of international competition will intensify. Stakeholders should prepare for potential policy shifts that could arise depending on the outcomes of the Games.

Signals to watch

Public and media reactions to the inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes.
Performance of the athletes in the Winter Paralympics.
Future decisions by the IPC regarding athlete eligibility and competition rules.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the athletes' performances and the overall impact on public perception of the Games.
Engage with local sporting events that promote inclusivity and fair competition.

Don’t

Don’t engage in discussions that could detract from the achievements of athletes competing at the Games.
Refrain from making assumptions about the integrity of individual athletes without evidence.

Checklist

Follow the schedule for the Winter Paralympics to support athletes.
Stay updated on IPC announcements regarding future policies.
Engage with disability sports advocacy to promote inclusivity.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the IPC's decision marks a significant change, it also brings potential controversies. The inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes may polarise opinions among spectators, sponsors, and athletes from other nations. The ongoing geopolitical situation could also lead to abrupt changes in policy or athlete eligibility, and the implications of doping allegations remain a concern. Future developments should be closely monitored as the situation evolves.

Bottom line

The inclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics signifies a shift in the IPC's stance amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges. As the Games approach, UK audiences will need to navigate complex sentiments surrounding these athletes while recognising their individual accomplishments. The landscape of international sports remains uncertain, and the actions taken during the Paralympics may set precedents for future events.

FAQs

Will the Russian flag be flown at the Winter Paralympics?

Yes, the Russian flag will be flown at the Winter Paralympics for the first time since 2014, as six Russian athletes have been granted permission to compete.

Why were Russian and Belarusian athletes banned from the Paralympics?

They were banned due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and previous allegations of state-sponsored doping.

What is a bipartite commission invitation?

A bipartite commission invitation allows individual athletes to compete in the Paralympics even if they did not qualify through standard methods, typically due to extraordinary circumstances.