A limited number of athletes from Russia and Belarus are set to participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics, competing under a neutral flag due to the ongoing ban on their countries following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. According to the latest update from the International Olympic Committee, just 16 Russian and 17 Belarusian athletes have accepted invitations to compete at the Games, with the IOC verifying the selection process to ensure athletes have not actively supported the conflict in Ukraine.

The selected athletes from Russia and Belarus, totaling 33 individuals, will be labeled as "AIN" - Individual Neutral Athletes - and will be recognized by a green flag during competitions. They will be subject to a wordless anthem in case of gold medal victories, and unlike other delegations, they will not partake in the opening ceremony parade or be included in the official medals table.

The decision to allow these athletes to compete under a neutral banner has sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some users view it as an opportunity for clean and talented athletes to showcase their skills on a global stage, while ensuring no recognition is accorded to the countries they represent. Others express concerns over the fairness of the process, questioning whether the same standards are applied uniformly across all nations in similar circumstances.

The participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Paris Olympics comes amidst a backdrop of strict conditions imposed by the IOC to adhere to neutrality and sportsmanship principles. While the number of athletes competing falls significantly below initial projections, those who have met the rigorous approval process will aim to make their mark on the global sporting event, albeit under distinct circumstances from traditional national representation.