Russia and Belarus in the Olympics and Paralympics

 

Living in America has always highlighted the importance of representing your country. Since elementary school, what it means to be an American has always been a topic heavily discussed. When it comes to our history with other countries, America is always represented as a strong and independent nation. With this being said, the discussion of other countries is not so similar, and is often debated. 

A discussion of other countries that is often debated is whether or not Russia and Belarus should be allowed to participate in the Paralympics or the Olympics. There are many concerns from many countries about allowing Russia and Belarus to participate in both of the games. Some of the biggest concerns include the political ramifications, calculations about marketing, and morality. Since other countries struggle with this topic, there are many worries about how the decision will reflect these nations. Considering there are many unacceptable things that Russia and Belarus have done, it would be insensitive to allow them to compete in the Paralympics and the Olympics. On the other side however, it would be insensitive to forbid innocent citizens from participating in the sport they love.

In the past, other countries have expressed anger at allowing Russia to compete in the Olympics and the Paralympics. The IOC discussed that the main reason they wanted to ban Russia and Belarus from competing was because there were other countries that threatened to boycott. The participants that would be competing against other athletes from Russia and Belarus would be subject to any unsafe circumstances, as well as the entire crowd at the games. Given these reasons, the IOC concluded that it would be safer to exclude Russia and Belarus from the games. Through these boycott threats, the IOC also realized that the games are supposed to unite the nations. If multiple countries were to boycott the games, the games would not be fulfilling their values. The Olympics and Paralympics are supposed to bring together the countries as one. 

When participating in the Olympics and Paralympics, the athletes are also representing their country and what it stands for. Having these athletes represent their country means they are also representing their countries values and actions. 

In my opinion, I do not believe that Russia and Belarus should be allowed to participate in the Paralympics or Olympics. However, this raises the next concern if the potential ban of Russia and Belarus aligns with values of the IOC. Although I do not agree with excluding people from the games, I feel as though allowing Russia and Belarus to compete would support their actions and values which directly goes against everything the IOC and IPC believes in. If the rest of the countries agreed to unite with these countries at the games, we would all be supporting everything these countries embody. I do not think that the Paralympics or the Olympics should hold events in or with Russia or Belarus.