Ban of Athletes

 Ban of Athletes

The IPC’s decision to ban Russian, and Belarusian athletes in recent Paralympic Games has sparked some debate. The decision was made following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and aims to uphold the IPC's core values of promoting peace, fair play, and political neutrality.​ Athletes from these countries are still able to compete just not as a representative of their country. Instead they must compete as “neutrals”, and will be represented by the Paralympic flag and anthem. 

Not only do I believe this is the right decision by the IPC, I believe it is in full alignment with their values. The IPC’s mission statement is “to enable Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world". (IPC, 2014). This is without the nuisance of geopolitical issues. The IPC's decision had to reflect neutrality, while still responding to a significant issue. Not allowing athletes to compete as Russian or Belarusian athletes acknowledges the issues with these nations while still allowing the individual athletes to uphold the values of the Paralympics. This approach aligns with the IPC's commitment to inclusivity and fair play, ensuring that athletes are not being punished for decisions that are out of their control, while still respecting other countries, and upholding the values of the Paralympics.

It is in the best interest of the IPC, and all of its athletes, to continue the partial ban of Russian, and Belarusian athletes. This ban will serve as a deterrent against the politicization of sports and reinforces the principle that international sporting events should remain arenas of peace and unity. The ban of these athletes will continue to set an example, and reinforce the principles of the games, peace, and unity. I do believe that the IPC should regularly revisit, and reassess, this decision. There are constant changes in the world, so it is important to continuously revisit old decisions to make sure it is necessary, and appropriate. While the partial ban is still in effect, it is in the best interest of the IPC, and other disabled sports, to not host events in Russia, and Belarus. I believe this would contradict the partial ban of the athletes, and countries. As long as the athletes behave appropriately, and compete as “neutrals” I believe there is no reason these athletes should not be allowed to participate in events outside of their country. I believe this will align with the IPC’s values, and its ban.



Work Cited


United States and Neutral Paralympic athletes dominate biathlon on Opening Day of pyeongchang 2018. (n.d.). https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1062465/united-states-and-neutral-paralympic-athletes-dominate-biathlon-on-opening-day-of-pyeongchang-2018

What are the Paralympic values?. International Paralympic Committee. (2014, July 28). https://www.paralympic.org/feature/what-are-paralympic-values

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