Athletes risk becoming Russian propaganda after the IOC decision on the Paris Games, warns Ukrainian sportsman Mykola Heraskevych. Heraskevych expressed his concern over the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recent announcement that Russian and Belarusian athletes who qualified would be allowed to participate in the upcoming Olympics as neutrals, without flags, emblems, or anthems. He fears that their achievements and participation could be used as a tool for Russian propaganda, contributing to more victims and casualties in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Heraskevych, who previously used his platform at the Beijing Winter Olympics to advocate for peace in Ukraine, emphasizes that he supports athletes competing but opposes the potential exploitation of their success for Russian propaganda purposes. He raises the scenario of a German or Austrian athlete winning a medal while a Russian athlete finishes second, and how a photo of both athletes could be used in Russian propaganda. Heraskevych urges the IOC to understand the implications of their decision and take responsibility.
The decision by the IOC has also drawn criticism from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who condemned it as shameful. Kuleba argues that the IOC has essentially given Russia the green light to weaponize the Olympics, as the Kremlin could potentially exploit each Russian and Belarusian athlete as a propaganda tool in its ongoing warfare.
In response to the backlash, the IOC clarified that the neutral athletes would only compete in individual sports, and no teams from Russia or Belarus would be allowed. Additionally, those who actively supported the war in Ukraine or were contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military would not be eligible to participate.
Currently, out of the 4,600 qualified athletes for the Paris Games, eight are Russians, three hold Belarusian passports, and more than 60 Ukrainians have qualified. Ukraine’s acting sports minister, Matviy Bidniy, stated that the country’s participation in the Games would be determined after discussions with political and sports leaders.
The concerns raised by Heraskevych regarding the potential use of international sports as Russian propaganda highlight the importance of the IOC’s responsibility and the need for careful consideration of the broader implications of their decisions. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the IOC will address the concerns of Ukrainian athletes and officials regarding the potential exploitation of the Olympics for political propaganda.
Overall, the decision by the IOC has not only ignited controversy but also reignited the debate surrounding the intersection of sports and politics, with Ukrainian athletes and officials urging the IOC to reconsider their decision and protect international sport from becoming a platform for Russian propaganda.
