History says that once the Olympics were no longer like a large-scale, long-awaited sporting event. In 1980, the Summer Olympics were boycotted by 65 countries: the USA, Canada, Turkey, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Egypt, Germany, the Netherlands, etc. Athletes who were considered leaders and had a high chance of winning, refused to participate in the Olympics held in the Soviet Union. They withdrew either completely or partially (some representatives participated under the IOC flag). The reason for ignoring this was the introduction of the Soviet army into Afghanistan in 1979. What if this is not a political sign and a protest against the Kremlin's actions?
History repeats itself. In 2022, the Kremlin introduced an army into Ukraine. While Russian athletes are preparing for the 2024 Olympiad, which received admission, Ukrainian sports leaders die on the front, defending their country. The hands of the Russian occupiers killed 189 athletes. 149 objects of sports infrastructure were destroyed by the Russian army in a year. But the International Olympic Committee allows Russia to compete, considering itself apolitical.
Note that the cover of the article depicts a poster that was distributed in 1980 before the Olympic Games.
So far, 35 countries have called on the International Olympic Committee to reconsider Russia's participation in the competition. In addition, Russian and Belarusian athletes will not be allowed to participate in the 2023 European Games. This was announced by the president of the organizing committee of the competition Marcin Nowak. The competition will be held this summer in Poland – from June 21 to July 2. However, it is worth noting that in this issue, the IOC advised allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to the European Games in Krakow.
But the organizing committee of the competition in Krakow does not plan to change their decision and can only refuse to host the tournament.
"Representatives of Russia and Belarus will not attend the European Games under any circumstances, despite all procedural rules," said Marcin Nowak.
