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Russian Athletes and International Sports Relations Amid the 2024 Paris Olympics

GOOVER DAILY REPORT August 2, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Participation of Russian Athletes in the 2024 Paris Olympics
  3. Alternative Sports Events Organized by Russia
  4. International Sports Relations and Cooperation
  5. Historical Perspective: Politics and Protest at the Olympics
  6. Reactions to the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics
  7. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report titled 'Russian Athletes and International Sports Relations Amid the 2024 Paris Olympics' examines the participation and impact of Russian athletes in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics under the shadow of international sanctions. Due to Russia's conflict with Ukraine, only 15 Russian athletes will participate as 'Individually Neutral Athletes,' while many Russian-born athletes will compete for other nations after changing their nationality. Russia's exclusion has led them to organize alternative sporting events such as the BRICS Games and the World Friendship Games, which have faced varying levels of success and challenges. In a broader context, the report also explores the ongoing sports cooperation between Russia and countries like India, and provides a historical perspective on how politics and protests have played roles in the Olympics over the years, thereby influencing international sports relations.

2. Participation of Russian Athletes in the 2024 Paris Olympics

  • 2-1. Sanctions and the Status of Russian Athletes

  • Only 15 Russian athletes are allowed to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics as 'Individually Neutral Athletes' due to international sanctions stemming from Russia's conflict with Ukraine. These athletes have managed to convince the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that they do not support Russia's actions in the war and have no ties to the Russian military. Despite these sanctions, a significant number of Russian-born athletes are expected to compete under the flags of other countries, having acquired new citizenships to bypass the sanctions. This trend contrasts sharply with the situation during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where the Russian Olympic Committee had 330 athletes who won 71 medals despite the flag and anthem ban.

  • 2-2. Russian-born Athletes Representing Other Nations

  • At least 18 athletes born in Russia have been nominated to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics under different nationalities. This includes athletes like Sardana Trofimova, who will represent Kyrgyzstan in the marathon, and Anastasia Kirpichnikova, competing for France in swimming. The Russian Sports Ministry confirmed the nationality change of 67 athletes since early 2022, while independent observers have identified up to 200 such cases. These shifts are often viewed with disdain by officials in Russia, with some describing them as a 'fraud against the country.' However, athletes justify these changes as pragmatic decisions necessary for their sporting careers, often without any political motivation. The WSJ reports diver Igor Myalin, now competing for Uzbekistan, as expressing that his sporting goals outweigh his attachment to his home country.

  • 2-3. Russian Government's Stance and Efforts

  • The Russian government has largely chosen to ignore the Paris Olympics, reflecting the broader rift between Russia and the IOC. The Russian Olympic Committee was suspended in December 2021 due to the invasion of Ukraine, and the government has declined to send a delegation to Paris. Additionally, Russian state television channels have opted not to broadcast the Games. The government has also announced that it will not recognize the results of the Paris Olympics. Some athletes like swimmer Evgeny Rylov have chosen to boycott the Games instead of competing under a neutral flag, denouncing the sanctions as 'nonsense.' In response to these exclusions, Russia has organized alternative sporting events like the BRICS Games and the World Friendship Games, although these events have faced challenges such as low participation and have been postponed.

3. Alternative Sports Events Organized by Russia

  • 3-1. World Friendship Games

  • The World Friendship Games, originally planned for September 2024, have been postponed to 2025. The International Friendship Association (IFA) made this decision after consulting various athletes and sports federations. The main reason cited was the insufficient recovery time for athletes competing in major international tournaments in the summer of 2024. The postponement aims to ensure a more representative participation of athletes and to expand the Games' program, incorporating cultural and entertainment components. Nearly 2,500 athletes from 127 countries were expected to compete in 36 sports at 21 venues in Moscow and Yekaterinburg. Jerome Valcke, IFA Secretary-General, emphasized that the postponement was logical given the overlap with the Paris 2024 Olympics and highlighted Russia’s extensive experience in hosting major international sporting events.

  • 3-2. BRICS Games and Their Significance

  • The BRICS Games, held in Kazan in June 2024, is another significant event in Russia’s alternative sports calendar. These games are part of Russia's efforts to maintain its presence in international sports amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and its conflict with Ukraine. The BRICS Games represent a collaborative sporting event among Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, showcasing athletic talent and strengthening diplomatic ties among these nations.

  • 3-3. Russia’s Efforts to Promote Alternative Sporting Platforms

  • Russia has been actively promoting alternative sporting events to maintain its international sports presence. Alongside the World Friendship Games and the BRICS Games, Russia's busy sports calendar for 2024 included the Future Games, an international e-sports and digital tournament held in February-March 2024. These efforts illustrate Russia's commitment to creating platforms for athletes to compete, despite its exclusion from the 2024 Paris Olympics due to the conflict with Ukraine.

4. International Sports Relations and Cooperation

  • 4-1. India-Russia Sports Cooperation

  • The collaboration between India and Russia concerning sports has been longstanding and continues to evolve. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, and Russian Deputy Sports Minister, Alexey Morozov, held a meeting in Moscow on July 27, 2024, to discuss enhancing sports cooperation. This interaction emphasized deepening bilateral and multilateral sports collaborations. The Indian Embassy in Moscow confirmed the discussions through a post on the social media platform X.

  • 4-2. Bilateral and Multilateral Efforts to Strengthen Sporting Ties

  • During their meeting, Raksha Nikhil Khadse and Alexey Morozov highlighted the significance of bilateral and multilateral formats for sports cooperation. Their conversation was not an isolated event; it coincided with broader diplomatic activities, including a meeting between India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Vientiane, Laos, during ASEAN events. This supports the broader context of strengthening sports ties within multifaceted diplomatic engagements.

  • 4-3. Impact of BRICS Games on International Sports Relations

  • The BRICS Games held in Tatarstan from June 12 to 23, 2024, featured approximately 4,000 participants from various countries. The BRICS sports ministers' meeting on June 22, 2024, included representatives from nations such as China, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, India, South Africa, and Brazil. Russian Deputy Sports Minister, Alexey Morozov, noted that the event's final sports program included 27 sports. This event exemplified robust international sports relations amid challenging geopolitical landscapes and reinforced the cooperative spirit among BRICS nations.

5. Historical Perspective: Politics and Protest at the Olympics

  • 5-1. Notable Political Incidents in Olympic History

  • The history of the Olympics is marked by numerous political incidents. In 1906, Irish athlete Peter O’Connor climbed the flagpole with an Irish flag to protest competing for Great Britain. The 1936 Berlin Olympics saw Adolf Hitler use the games for propaganda, although American athlete Jesse Owens won four gold medals, challenging Nazi racial theories. During the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, countries boycotted the games for various political reasons, including the Suez crisis and the Soviet invasion of Hungary. The 1968 Mexico City Olympics were notable for Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fists in the Black power salute. The 1972 Munich Olympics were marred by the Black September terrorist attack, resulting in the deaths of 11 Israeli team members. The 1980 Moscow Olympics saw a U.S.-led boycott in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, followed by the Soviet-led boycott of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. South Africa was barred from the Olympics for decades due to its apartheid policies, and the 2008 Beijing Olympics faced international criticism over China's human rights record. Most recently, the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing saw a diplomatic boycott by the U.S. and its allies over human rights concerns.

  • 5-2. Role of the Olympics in Political Discourse

  • The Olympics have often been a platform for political discourse and protest. Despite the International Olympic Committee’s stance that the games should remain apolitical, athletes and nations have used the Olympics to make significant political statements. For example, the 1936 Berlin Olympics were used by the Nazi regime to promote their ideology, though countered by athletic performances like that of Jesse Owens. The 1968 Mexico City Olympics brought attention to racial inequalities in the United States through the actions of Smith and Carlos. During the Cold War era, the Olympics became a battleground for ideological supremacy between the Soviet Union and the United States. The inclusion and exclusion of countries from the games have also been politically motivated, such as the banning of South Africa due to apartheid and the diplomatic boycotts related to human rights issues in China. The platform has also been used to promote peace and reconciliation, as seen in the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, where North and South Korean athletes marched under a unified flag.

  • 5-3. Impact of Political Tensions on the Games

  • Political tensions have often impacted the Olympic Games, affecting participation and the overall spirit of the event. Boycotts have been a common form of protest, significantly reducing the number of participating countries and athletes. The U.S.-led boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan saw over sixty countries abstaining from participation. Similarly, the Soviet-led boycott of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics involved most Eastern Bloc nations. Political decisions have also determined the eligibility of countries; apartheid South Africa was banned from the Olympics for many years. More recently, the Russian doping scandal led to a ban on Russian athletes competing under their national flag, illustrating the intersection of sports, politics, and ethics. These political tensions have often overshadowed the games' intended purpose of fostering international unity and sportsmanship.

6. Reactions to the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics

  • 6-1. Comparisons with Past Olympic Ceremonies

  • Commentators and public figures had varied reactions toward the opening ceremony in Paris, often comparing it to previous Olympic events. Some Russians, like Nastena Ivleeva, favorably recalled the Sochi Olympics and the Football World Cup in Russia, describing them as more stylish. In a contrasting viewpoint, Tatyana Tarasova, an honored coach of the USSR, refrained from making direct comparisons, emphasizing that each country exhibits its creative face. The ceremony's unconventional format, including hosting the parade of athletes on boats along the Seine River, added to its uniqueness, setting it apart from traditional stadium parades.

  • 6-2. Public and Media Reactions

  • The opening ceremony prompted a wide range of public and media responses. Some Russian personalities, like Ivleeva, criticized it for deviating from Olympic ideals and values, while others, like coach Tatyana Tarasova, praised the performance. Criticism was not limited to Russians; MEP Marion Marechal expressed disapproval over what she saw as a parody of the Last Supper and a general lack of taste in costumes and choreography. Additionally, Dmitry Svishchev, a Russian deputy, criticized the ceremony for its lack of organization and rising crime rates in Paris during the event. Support for the parade format and performances by artists like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga was noted, yet dissatisfaction persisted.

  • 6-3. Artistic and Cultural Criticisms

  • Several cultural critiques emerged regarding the artistic choices at the Paris Olympics' opening ceremony. Russian media outlet EADaily highlighted perceived shortcomings and tasteless aspects, such as a same-sex kiss and the portrayal of historical figures like Marie Antoinette. Some found the depiction of the Greek god Dionysus inappropriate, symbolizing the absurdity of violence. However, positive remarks were made about the boat parade and the visual spectacle around the Eiffel Tower, indicating a mix of appreciation and critique from various observers.

7. Conclusion

  • The limited participation of Russian athletes in the 2024 Paris Olympics underscores the deep geopolitical rifts caused by Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. With stringent international sanctions, only a handful of Russian athletes have been able to participate as neutral competitors, while others switched nationality to fulfill their athletic ambitions. The report highlights that Russia, in response, has pivoted towards organizing other events like the BRICS Games and the postponed World Friendship Games to maintain its sporting relevance. Additionally, the deepening sports ties with nations such as India reflect the use of sports as a diplomatic tool amidst tensions. Limitations of the report include not addressing the potential long-term impacts on the careers of these athletes. Future developments could see more nations involving sports diplomacy to navigate geopolitical conflicts, and alternative sporting platforms might grow in significance. Practically, these findings indicate a shift in how global sports functions amid political unrest, emphasizing the need for athletes to navigate complex international environments.

8. Glossary

  • 8-1. Paris 2024 Olympics [Event]

  • The upcoming Olympic Games set to take place in Paris, facing numerous challenges due to political sanctions against Russian athletes stemming from the Ukraine conflict, and highlighting significant geopolitical tensions in international sports.

  • 8-2. Russian Athletes [Person/Group]

  • Athletes from Russia, many of whom are competing under neutral status or representing other nations due to sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict. Their participation highlights the broader geopolitical struggle impacting global sports.

  • 8-3. BRICS Games [Event]

  • A sporting event organized by BRICS nations, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The 2024 games in Kazan included participation from over 3,000 athletes and showcased cooperation among BRICS nations amid political tensions.

  • 8-4. World Friendship Games [Event]

  • An alternative sporting event organized by the International Friendship Association, postponed to 2025 to provide better recovery time for athletes and to enhance cultural and entertainment offerings, aiming to ensure inclusive participation.

  • 8-5. Raksha Nikhil Khadse [Person]

  • Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports of India, involved in discussions with Russian sports officials to enhance sports cooperation between India and Russia in both bilateral and multilateral formats.

  • 8-6. Alexey Morozov [Person]

  • Russian Deputy Sports Minister who participated in discussions to enhance sports cooperation between Russia and India, reflecting the ongoing efforts to maintain and strengthen international sports relationships.

9. Source Documents