The UK government is changing its mind about Russian and Belarusian athletes participating in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
They’ve decided it might be okay because the rules for these athletes have become stricter and they can’t represent their countries directly.
Russian and Belarusian athletes can’t wear uniforms showing their country’s colours or flags, and they can’t join in the opening or closing ceremonies.
They also won’t be counted in the medal totals like other countries.
Plus, they have to prove they’ve never said anything supportive of the war in Ukraine.
The UK told the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee that it likes the stricter rules.
It also said it’s not changing its mind about not wanting athletes to compete under the names of Russia or Belarus.
However, because the rules are so strict, not many athletes from Russia or Belarus will be able to compete in Paris unless they’ve chosen permanent exile from their home countries.
Russia, not happy at being left out of the Olympics, plans to have its own sports event called the “Friendship Games”.
Compiled by staff writer
Pictured above: Paris Olympics.
Image source: Olympics
