Russian athletes may compete under their country’s flag at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after the International Olympic Committee lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee.The suspension, which began in October 2023, was imposed after Russia recognized regional Olympic councils in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. The IOC has not yet decided whether Russia will be allowed to display its flag, colors or anthem at the 2028 Games. Oklahoma City, one of the host cities for the LA Summer Games, will host canoe slalom and softball events. While Russia has athletes in canoe slalom, it does not have a softball team.A press release from the organization emphasized that it hasn’t changed its position “strongly condemning” the Russian invasion of Ukraine and standing in solidarity with the Ukrainian Olympic community.>> Video Below: Olympic athletes will stay at Oklahoma City University during LA28 GamesDuring the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, Russian and Belarusian athletes who agreed to certain conditions were allowed to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes. The IOC already decided in May that it no longer recommends restrictions on Belarusian athletes’ participation.The IOC said the decision to lift the suspension is provisional and that it “reserves the right” to take further measures if the situation changes.
Russian athletes may compete under their country’s flag at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after the International Olympic Committee lifted its suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee.
The suspension, which began in October 2023, was imposed after Russia recognized regional Olympic councils in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine.
The IOC has not yet decided whether Russia will be allowed to display its flag, colors or anthem at the 2028 Games.
Oklahoma City, one of the host cities for the LA Summer Games, will host canoe slalom and softball events. While Russia has athletes in canoe slalom, it does not have a softball team.
A press release from the organization emphasized that it hasn’t changed its position “strongly condemning” the Russian invasion of Ukraine and standing in solidarity with the Ukrainian Olympic community.
>> Video Below: Olympic athletes will stay at Oklahoma City University during LA28 Games
During the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, Russian and Belarusian athletes who agreed to certain conditions were allowed to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes. The IOC already decided in May that it no longer recommends restrictions on Belarusian athletes’ participation.
The IOC said the decision to lift the suspension is provisional and that it “reserves the right” to take further measures if the situation changes.