The IOC believes that young athletes from Russia and Belarus should be allowed to compete internationally, and under their own flag. Among other things, at the Youth Olympics in Dakar from October 31 to November 13 next year.
However, decisions on the matter are made by each individual sport's international federation.
The IOC writes in a press release that it believes that young athletes in particular should not be held responsible for the actions of their governments. "Sport is their source of hope and a way to show that all athletes can respect the same rules and each other," the IOC writes.
However, the Olympic Movement believes that the ongoing sanctions against Russia and Belarus, due to the invasion of Ukraine, should remain in force. It believes that sports should not support any international sporting events in Russia. However, this recommendation no longer applies to Belarus.
