Russians, Belarusians out of Paralympics amid boycott risk

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By STEPHEN WADE

Faced with threats of withdrawals and growing animosity in the Athletes Village, organizers of the Winter Paralympics on Thursday reversed course and expelled athletes from Russia and Belarus.

The about-face came less than 24 hours after the International Paralympic Committee announced it would allow Russians and Belarusians to compete when the Games open on Friday, but only as neutral athletes with colors, flags and other national symbols removed because of the invasion of Ukraine.

The Paralympics in Beijing, which follow the Winter Olympics, close on March 13.

“The war has now come to these Games and behind the scenes many governments are having an influence on our cherished event,” IPC President Andrew Parsons said Thursday after announcing the ban. “We were trying to protect the Games from war.”



Italy's Matteo Remotti Martini moves in front of the Agitos outside the Paralympic Village ahead of the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games, Beijing, China, Thursday, March 3, 2022. (Thomas Lovelock/OIS via AP)

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-sports-europe-beijing-paralympic-games-a711e5f037440e71468901ac35d1de31

[gab13by13]

1. I'm sorry but the US needs to boycott these games.

China not only stood behind Russia at the UN, China knew that Russia was going to invade Ukraine because China asked Russia to wait until after the Olympics were over.

[efhmc]

2. Agreed but have a great deal of sympathy for the participants who may or may not support

this horrible war and Putin.

[uppityperson]

3. Good, but so sad for the participants

[SunSeeker]

4. Good. nt

[FelineOverlord]

5. GB Paralympic competitor claims Russians were taunting the Ukrainians with bomb threats

If this is true, it could explain part of the reason why other countries were willing to boycott if the Russians weren't thrown out.

Link to tweet