Russia, Belarus Athletes Won't Participate In Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony, So No Boat Parade For Them
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France are coming our way in just a few months, but don't expect to see any Russian or Belarusian athletes in the opening ceremony.
Although, considering how dull the opening ceremony seems like it'll be, this doesn't appear to be the kind of punishment the IOC thinks it is.
According to the Associated Press, while both Russian and Belarusian athletes will be permitted to compete at the Games as neutrals, they will not be allowed to participate in the opening ceremonies, which will eschew the traditional stadium-bound pageantry for a boat parade down the Seine.
While these athletes won't be able to take part in the festivities, they're welcome "to experience the event" which most likely means watching from the river banks.
This is the latest sanctions aimed at Russia and Belarus for their actions during the invasion of — and subsequent war — in Ukraine.
Forget whether or not you agree with the IOC's rulings on competitors from Russia and Belarus, we all agree that this isn't much of a punishment. I'd argue it's the exact opposite.
As we've discussed before, this boat parade will be a one-way ticket to Dullsville. A slow-moving line of boats? Yeah, that'll keep people's attention in an era of TikTok.
We're just a few months away from the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, but don't expect to see any Russian or Belarusian athletes cruising down the Seine during the open ceremony. (Andrea Mantovani/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Sure, the opening ceremonies are a big deal for Olympians, but the IOC just handed the Russians and Belarusians an excuse to skip what will likely be an unmitigated snooze fest.
If you don't go to the opening ceremony, what's the alternative? You hang out in the Olympic Village with its free McDonald's (if they still do that, they may not) and massive supply of condoms then get a head start on preparing for your competition with some quality shut-eye.
I'm not seeing the downside here. That the Russians and Belarusians will be the best-rested athletes of the Games' first 36 hours?
Good one, IOC…
The individual athletes allowed to compete from both Russia and Belarus have been vetted by the IOC. They may not have supported the war and can not be affiliated with any military agencies.
Things are getting a little muddy though, since there are some military sports clubs that athletes belong to.