"We look forward to a stronger, more independent and more prosperous Olympic movement under a new leader, and to Russia returning to the Olympic scene", writes Russia's Sports Minister Mikhail Degtjarev, who is also the chairman of Russia's Olympic Committee, on Telegram.
After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes were allowed to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris last summer under a neutral flag, but with demands for neutrality. No teams were allowed. However, this did not apply to all sports. For example, athletics has completely excluded athletes from the countries.
What will apply in the future is still unclear. Next, the Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina 2026 await.
Coventry will take office as IOC chairman in June when the current chairman Thomas Bach, who has held the post for twelve years, formally steps down.
