Melnikova Among Russians Approved for Neutral Status, Viktoria Listunova, denied from Lauren Hopkins

[RichardL]

I am fine with Russia being banned for doping and coverup. Cheating in the Games should get you banned. But I continue to be opposed to a ban for political reasons -- and I am for sure no fan of Putin. But the Games should be apolitical.

Politics is one thing, but inciting war is another. I always love you @JaJa but this isn't about some kind of policy dispute.

 

[Sasha]

I mostly agree with Jaja, not because I believe that sport should be apolitical, but more because the current approach feels very ad hoc. At a minimum, political bans should be based on clear, a priori criteria for what actions trigger the ban and what actions are required to end it. The IOC, to their credit, at least has the former with their Olympic Truce policy.

In addition, the complicated nature of international conflict (as well as territorial disputes) makes it really difficult to avoid having to become the arbiter of what is a legitimate military action and what is not. Is that really a position that a sporting body should be in?

 

[JaJa]

Politics is one thing, but inciting war is another. I always love you @JaJa but this isn't about some kind of policy dispute.

what about the notion that the Olympic Games should stand as a venue where civilian athletes come together to compete athletically and thus provide a platform to foster international respect, friendship and dialogue, even or especially among nation/states in conflict? That is so important. Although I concede that the fact that Russia violated the Olympic Truce is a strong argument for a ban at this point. I do see two sides to this.