IOC President Kirsty Coventry has called on governments to ensure that sports remain politically neutral, emphasizing the need for equal access for all athletes. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged host countries and sports organizers to guarantee access for all athletes, framing sport as a ‘beacon of hope’ and a ‘neutral ground’. Her statement comes as the IOC continues to enforce sanctions against Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing only vetted individuals to compete under a neutral flag in the upcoming Winter Games in Italy.
Speaking in Brussels on Monday, Coventry reiterated her commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Olympic movement by upholding its principle of non-discrimination. ‘This is the essence of Olympism: every eligible athlete, team, and official must be able to take part without discrimination or political interference,’ she stated. The IOC published the text of what it described as a ‘keynote’ address on its official website, highlighting the organization’s stance on political neutrality in sports.
Coventry’s remarks follow the IOC’s recent decision to extend existing sanctions, permitting only vetted Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the Winter Games. Athletes from these countries were banned from the Games shortly after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. Despite the sanctions, Russian sports remain under various restrictions, though some summer sports federations have eased their stance, allowing neutral Russian athletes to participate in world championships. However, most major winter sports bodies continue to enforce a full ban, leaving only a handful of Russian athletes in a few disciplines eligible for the 2026 Olympic Games.
Coventry, who assumed the role of IOC President in June as the first African to head the organization, illustrated her position with a personal example. She recalled her two Olympic gold medals for Zimbabwe in backstroke swimming, stating that if she had faced sanctions during her country’s turmoil, she would have missed the opportunity to win her medals. Earlier this year, Coventry rejected the notion of banning athletes from the Olympics based on their countries’ involvement in armed conflicts and announced plans to initiate discussions on Russia’s potential return to competition.
Russian officials have criticized Western nations for politicizing international sports, asserting that the continued exclusion of Russian athletes from the Games is an overreach of political influence. This disagreement underscores the ongoing tension between the IOC’s commitment to neutrality and the broader geopolitical landscape surrounding international sports events.