Paris Mayor doesn’t want Russian athletes competing in 2024 Olympics

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed her desire for a ban on Russian athletes participating in the Paris Olympics and their opening ceremony. In an interview with Reuters, she conveyed her full support for Israeli athletes, emphasizing that they should be welcomed without restrictions. As preparations for the July 26-August 11 Games address challenges arising from conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to discuss the involvement of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the opening ceremony.

Currently, Russian and Belarusian athletes are unable to participate under their countries’ flags but are permitted to compete as neutrals, with no flags or anthems. Hidalgo, sharing her perspective, stated, “I prefer that they don’t come,” regarding Russian athletes.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) had previously announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes joining the Paralympics would not be part of their opening ceremony. Hidalgo highlighted the reality of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, expressing, “We cannot act as if (Russia’s invasion of Ukraine) did not exist,” and asserting concerns about Vladimir Putin’s actions.

Addressing Israel’s participation in the Olympics amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, Hidalgo drew a distinction, stating that sanctioning Israel concerning the Olympic and Paralympic Games is not under consideration because Israel is a democracy. The IOC has not imposed any restrictions on the participation of Israeli athletes.

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