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[SPORTS] · Russia, Ukraine, United States · 100 sources

International Olympic Committee lifts suspension on Russian Olympic Committee ahead of 2028 Los Angeles Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced a provisional lift of the suspension imposed on the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) in October 2023. The move clears the way for Russian athletes to compete at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, either under a neutral status or potentially with the Russian flag and anthem, depending on decisions by individual sport federations.

The decision was made as qualification for the Games begins and the IOC said it aims to give “equal access to all athletes”. IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized that athletes should not be punished for their governments’ actions. Ukrainian athletes and officials, including skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, condemned the move as a “shame” and “insane”, arguing it normalises Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

While some international federations, such as World Athletics, continue to bar Russian participation, the IOC urged them to follow its lead. The reversal has sparked debate over the separation of sport and politics and may influence how other bodies treat Russian and Belarusian competitors in the lead‑up to the LA Games.

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