Wladimir Klitschko Calls for Paris Olympics Ban on Russian and Belarusian Athletes, Condemning the Loss of 'Over 250 Ukrainian Athletes' in Ongoing War

Former heavyweight world boxing champion, Wladimir Klitschko, has urged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in the upcoming Olympics in Paris as a consequence of the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Klitschko, a vocal critic of Russia's aggression against his homeland since the conflict began in February last year, expressed dissatisfaction with the current IOC decision allowing athletes from both nations to compete under neutral representation.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, Klitschko, who, along with his brother Vitali, served alongside Ukraine's army during the conflict's onset, called for additional sanctions on athletes from Russia and Belarus. Emphasizing the alliance between Belarus and Russia in supporting the aggression, he criticized the IOC for not taking more decisive action.

Belarus, a longstanding ally of Russia, has been actively supporting the war in Ukraine. Klitschko, in his call to action, pointed out the urgent need for consequences, especially considering the tragic loss of Ukrainian athletes during the conflict.

Addressing the IOC, Klitschko stated to the Mirror, "Sport is extremely important. Now is the conversation about the upcoming Olympic games." He argued that given the current circumstances, the teams from Russia and Belarus should face a ban due to their governments' actions and the involvement of athletes in the military.

Referring to the grim reality in Ukraine, Klitschko lamented, "While I'm speaking, unfortunately, people in Ukraine are getting killed, athletes are getting killed. Over 250 athletes have been murdered in Ukraine." He highlighted the impact on not just male athletes but also young girls who were aspiring to participate in the Olympics.

Despite existing regulations prohibiting athletes supporting the war or affiliated with the Russian or Belarusian military from competing, Klitschko criticized the leniency shown by some sporting bodies. He reminded that the initial response to the crisis led to the banning of Russian athletes in several sports, but subsequent decisions have allowed their return to competition, despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.