Amazing makeover.
Russian and Belarusian athletes have been expelled from the Paralympic Winter Games tomorrow (Friday) due to the role of their countries in the war in Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in Beijing said.
It should be noted that this announcement comes less than 24 hours after the IPC announced on Wednesday that it would allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete with the opening of the Games, but only as neutral athletes with colors, flags and other national symbols.
It should be noted that the IPC received criticism of its initial decision ("treason and wrong message to the Russian leadership").
The IPC also noted that it is clear that many athletes will refuse to compete against Russians or Belarusians, creating chaos at the Paralympics and hurting their reputation.
IPC President Andrew Parsons, in announcing Wednesday's initial steps at a press conference in Beijing, openly identified with the Ukrainian people but said his actions were limited by his organization's laws and fears of legal action.
"In the last 12 hours, a huge number of friends have been in touch with us," Parsons said in a statement.
"They have told us that if we do not reconsider our decision, now it is likely to have serious consequences."
Parsons added: "What is clear is that the rapid escalation situation has now put us in a unique and impossible situation so close to the start of the games."
The IPC is now joining sports such as football and athletics and others that have imposed sweeping bans on Russians and Belarusians.
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us