The IOC announced the need for the participation of Russians in the Olympics

There are no grounds for not admitting Russian and Belarusian athletes to the Olympic Games. So says a member of the International Olympic Committee, Olympic champion in 1976 Guy Drew.

According to the French athlete, what is happening in politics should not affect the career of athletes.

“They have been preparing for years to perform at the Games, for some this will be the only opportunity to show themselves on the international arena, if they are not allowed a second chance, there may not be”– said Guy Drew on the radio Franceinfo.

Earlier, five-time Olympic champion Martin Fourcade spoke in support of the Russians.

Recall, on January 25, the IOC announced the consideration of the possibility of participation in international competitions of athletes in a neutral status. In Ukraine, they said in response that the committee was allegedly bribed by Moscow and promised to boycott the next Games. But the IOC rejected such criticism.

Note that the 2024 Olympic Games will be held in Paris. On issues of admission, the organizers, according to French President Macron, will be guided by the decision of the IOC. However, earlier the mayor of the French capital spoke out against the participation of athletes from the Russian Federation in the 2024 Olympics.

In Russia, they condemned the interference of politicians in the affairs of athletes. The Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation Oleg Matytsin said earlier that attempts to dictate the conditions for the participation of athletes in international competitions are unacceptable.