Russian and Belarusian Athletes Cleared for Winter Paralympics Under National Flags

Key Details

Six Russian and four Belarusian athletes are scheduled to compete under their national flags at the upcoming Winter Paralympics in Milan-Cortina. These athletes have received bipartite commission invitations from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

Background

The IPC initially suspended athletes from both Russia and Belarus from Paralympic competition following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Belarus is identified as a close ally of Russia. A partial ban, permitting athletes to compete as neutrals, was implemented in 2023.

In September, the IPC lifted its comprehensive ban, allowing athletes from both nations to compete at the Games. However, the four individual governing bodies for the six sports contested at the Paralympics initially maintained their own bans.

Appeal and Confirmation

In December, Russia and Belarus successfully appealed a ban by FIS, the governing body for skiing and snowboarding, at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas). This ruling permitted their athletes to compete and accrue ranking points.

The IPC confirmed that a total of 10 athletes will participate:

• Russia: Six slots total, including two in Para-alpine skiing (one male, one female), two in Para-cross country skiing (one male, one female), and two in Para-snowboard (both male).
• Belarus: Four slots total, all in Para-cross country skiing (one male, three female).

The athletes will compete in Para-alpine skiing, Para-cross country skiing, and Para-snowboarding.

Reactions

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stated that the decision was "completely the wrong decision." Nandy expressed that permitting athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under their own flags while the invasion of Ukraine continues "sends a terrible message" and urged the IPC to reconsider the decision.