In February, World Rowing decided to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in all its competitions, but only as neutral competitors. That now could change after the International Olympic Committee lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee that had been in force since October 2023. (The suspension of Belarusian athletes was previously reversed back in May.)
The original suspension came as a response to the war in Ukraine. The decision to reverse the restrictions is a result of the fact that the ROC no longer includes sports organizations that operate within the territory of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, nor will it conduct activities in those territories. The IOC said that it reserves the right to reverse this decision if that situation changes.
The IOC’s press release about the lifting of the suspension additionally addresses concerns about the Russian anti-doping agency, and the fact that Russian athletes must meet all international anti-doping rules in order to return to competition. It also delays the decision as to whether the Russian flag or anthem will be allowed to feature at upcoming Olympic Games.