Russian athletes are banned from competing professionally.
In the middle of a conflict that has startled not only Europe but the whole world, international institutions are punishing Russia in every way conceivable. As a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Russian people are facing a plethora of punishments, ranging from entire product bans to bank account confiscations. International leaders have finally come together to condemn Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, and sanctions look to be the only option to stop Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine and restore world peace.
Following the economic and political sanctions, the athletic world retaliated by excluding Russian athletes from competing and relocating and rescheduling sporting events away from Russia. According to the International Olympic Committee and FIFA, Russian athletes would be prohibited from participating in their respective competitions. This surprised all of the Russian athletes who had already arrived in Beijing for the Paralympics.
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, athletes should not be banned from competing in athletic events. Athletes have worked hard for years to achieve these professional levels, and denying them the opportunity to participate is a direct consequence for them, unrelated to Putin. Why now rather than why did the IOC and FIFA choose such sanctions? This isn’t the first time Russian President Vladimir Putin has clashed with a foreign power. It’s also not the first time that a dispute has occurred throughout the world during a sporting event. Why is the world now waking up and imposing limitations on Russian civilians rather than the Russian government? Why is russophobia a reaction to the invasion of Ukraine? Athletics has shown that athletes can compete against each other even though there are cultural, political, and economic barriers.
From a political standpoint, excluding Russia from international sports is part of a bigger agenda of isolating Russia from global finance, trade, and travel. It also prevents Putin from using one of his most dangerous weapons. Since they have competed on the world stage, he knows that athletes are good role models for their country.
It’s worth emphasizing that the penalties imposed on Russian athletes were supported by the sporting community. Many athletes turned down the opportunity to participate against Russia or on Russian soil. The Olympic Committee and FIFA had no option but to comply with the proposal after being pressed by international athletes. This is interesting because both have stated that they will not participate in politics and that athletic activities should bring people together regardless of their political beliefs.
Sports should once again illustrate to the world that politics should not be the driving reason behind choices in times like these. I believe that sanctions are the most effective method to counter Vladimir Putin’s expanding authority, but there are other options. They might not be able to compete under the Russian flag, so they would have to compete on their own.
