The International Olympic Committee (IOC) lifts all restrictions on Belarusian athletes, a decision that clears the way for them to return to international competition, including events used for qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The IOC had previously recommended bans on Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Several outlets report that the IOC now allows Belarusian athletes to compete again with their full national identity, rather than being required to be vetted for a neutral status.
CBC and other reports describe the change as a political shift, keeping the decision in place despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. While the IOC lifts its restrictions, at least one source notes that other sports bodies may continue their own bans: ABC Australia reports that World Athletics says it will keep its ban in place. The overall effect reported across outlets is that Belarusian athletes can participate in qualifying competitions scheduled to start later this year for LA 2028, including in team sports, and under their own flag and anthem where applicable.
