By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
It has been announced that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is provisionally lifting the suspension of Russian athletes competing in the Olympic Games.
This means that they could be allowed to compete for their country at the Olympic Games to be held in Los Angeles in 2028.
In 2023, the IOC suspended the Russia Olympic Committee in response to the war in Ukraine.
However, Russian athletes can only compete provided that they "meet relevant anti-doping requirements".
Also, no decision has yet been taken by the IOC on whether Russia can display their flag, colours and anthem at the Olympic Games.
Furthermore, the IOC will continue to "not organise IOC events in Russia or invite Russian government or state officials to its events".
Russia has welcomed the IOC decision, stating that the Olympic Games must be "free from politics".
However, the IOC still "strongly condemns" the Russian invasion of Ukraine but "recognises that an athlete's participation in international competition should not be limited by the involvement of their government in a war or conflict".
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘