After Refusing to Compete Against Russians, the IOC Asks Ukraine to Reconsider: “We Want to Make It Possible”

Since the war between Ukraine and Russia broke out, it has only seen destruction and damage to lives and properties, with the prior nation bearing most of the brunt. Naturally, animosity grew on both sides, and it didn’t take long to seep into the world of sports and athletics. After learning about the fact that Russian and Belarusian athletes will be competing under a neutral banner at sporting events like the Olympics, Ukraine took a stand and banned its athletes from participating against their war enemies. Now, IOC President Thomas Bach makes a humble plea to Ukraine to reconsider.

Ukraine’s ban on its athletes from competing at international events, including the Olympics and Paralympics, was issued in March this year. It was a staunch one too. It was all done to avoid ever meeting against their Russian and Belarusian counterparts. The IOC, rather, wants to go the other way and allow everyone who wishes to participate.

The Olympic Committee tries hard to make it a uniform competition

As per ESPN, Thomas Bach recently spoke at the beginning of an IOC session. There, he expressed his wish for “every Ukrainian athlete” to be able to compete at the Olympics as per their choice. Bach was presenting the possibility to allow every athlete, no matter any side of the victim-assailant spectrum, to be able to take part in the Olympics. It was also an attempt to keep politics away from sports.

He continued, “We want to make it possible for every Ukrainian athlete to qualify now and participate in the Olympic Games. We will support every Ukrainian athlete in their preparation and participation in any competition they want to take part in”. The IOC continues its stance of supporting every individual athlete from any part of the world, no matter the circumstances.

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The big bone of contention for Ukraine, however, isn’t that Russia and Belarus aren’t stripped of their national representation at the Olympics. They are stripped of their national colors. However, individual athletes are allowed to participate in some sports neutrally and that still irks Ukrainians.

Why Ukrainians won’t face Russians and Belarusians at any cost

To face the Russians and Belarusians at a sporting event after the recent horrors of war isn’t something the Ukrainians want to cherish. Sports might be a competitive event where there are victors and losers, but the purpose of it is to celebrate together and marvel at each other’s achievements at the end of it all. Given the wounds and deep gashes are still very fresh on the Ukrainians’ bodies and minds, it is unlikely that everyone will just forget all of it and embrace the spirit of sportsmanship.

The Ukrainian government even threatened its sports governing body to be bereft of its position of authority, should they allow athletes to compete in the Olympics. However, the IOC and its President Thomas Bach live in hope, as evidenced by their stance after Bach’s recent speech. Bach said, “The entire Olympic community, the entire world is longing for Ukrainian athletes shining brightly in international competitions”, ending his speech on a high.

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