Olympia 2018: Olympic Committee of Russia votes for Pyeongchang start

Despite the conditions imposed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Russian athletes are expected to compete at the Winter Games in Pyeongchang. The Russian Olympic Committee unanimously voted on Tuesday to have its athletes participate in the first winter games in South Korea. This reports the industry service insidethegames.

Earlier, President Vladimir Putin had already declared that the giant empire would not boycott the games in Pyeongchang and thus pave the way. In the past few days, Russian athletes from all winter sports had spoken out in favour of a start, although the sanctions had also been sharply criticised.

Last Tuesday, the IOC had informed the National Olympic Committee of Russia about systematic doping from the games in Pyeongchang (9. till 25. February), but clean athletes are offered a start under a neutral flag. Neither may the Russian anthem be played at the Olympics nor may the Russian flag be waved in Pyeongchang.

On the one hand, Russian athletes have to qualify for the matches, on the other hand they have to prove that they are clean. A panel chaired by former French Sports Minister Valerie Fourneyron will determine which athletes are eligible for a start. Subsequently, a three-member committee of the IOC will decide on the final starting permit. The working group is chaired by Nicole Hoevertsz (Aruba).