The Russian athletics federation announced on Thursday that it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) challenging World Athletics' decision to extend the blanket ban on Russian and Belarusian track and field athletes. The federation stated that the decision affects the fundamental interests of athletics in Russia and restricts Russian athletes' right to compete on grounds it considers discriminatory.
World Athletics Maintains Ban Amid Ukraine Conflict
World Athletics announced last Friday that the ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, imposed in March 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, would remain in place. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said the body's Council Meeting had been consequential and methodical in reviewing the sanctions and in identifying a conditional pathway back into international competition. He noted that options were presented for the Council to consider, but the original decision remains to protect the integrity and fairness of competitions, with no tangible movement towards peace negotiations having materialised.
Contrast with Other Sports Federations
World Athletics' stance contrasts with other federations, such as World Gymnastics and the International Skating Union, which have recently eased restrictions. These developments came before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced this week that under strict conditions, Russian athletes would be allowed to compete in team events and qualifying competitions for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. IOC president Kirsty Coventry stated after an Executive Board meeting in Lausanne that the IOC wanted to ensure all athletes have the possibility to compete at the Olympic Games and not be held responsible for their government's actions.
IOC Conditions for Russian Athletes
However, the IOC kept in place the ban on the Russian national anthem and flag for the time being. Returning Russian athletes must pass multiple doping tests before being allowed to participate. The IOC said individual sports could decide whether to allow the flag and anthem at their own events or stage competitions in Russia.
Ukraine Condemns IOC Decision
Ukraine slammed the IOC decision as premature and unfounded while Moscow's invasion drags on through its fifth year. World Athletics examined the impact of the conflict on athletics in Ukraine. The dedicated fund established by World Athletics in 2022 to support Ukraine is helping ameliorate some of that impact, but there is no doubt the ability of Ukraine and its athletes to train and compete remains severely compromised, the governing body said.
Coe's Personal Perspective
Coe has stated that if a peace agreement is reached, it is not for sport to stand in the way of the Russians' return. The conflict has left its mark on Coe after a visit to Ukraine. He told AFP in an interview last year that when he arrived at Kyiv train station, there were probably 50 or 60 ambulances and hearses waiting on the platform. Families were waiting for news, and there were two carriages with mobile operating theatres and intensive care units where amputations were taking place as the train returned. He added that it was not something he could ever really be neutral about.
