After the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the fate of Russian or Belarusian athletes (whose country is an ally of Moscow) continues to be debated.
Thus the organizers of the next Boston marathon, which will take place on Monday April 18, have decided to prohibit the participation of runners coming directly from Russia or Belarus.
Expatriates will be able to take part in the race provided they do not wear the colors of their country of origin.
“We believe running is a global sport, and as such, we need to do what we can to show our support for the Ukrainian people,” said Tom Grilk, general manager of the Boston Athletic Association, adding that the organizers were “horrified and outraged” by reports and images showing what is happening in Ukraine.
The Boston Marathon, canceled in 2020 and then held in October 2021 with a lower than normal number of participants due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is returning to its usual schedule and format this year.
The organizers did not specify how many Russian or Belarusian athletes were registered this year.
In 2019, 59 of the more than 30,000 runners who took part in the race were from Russia and Belarus.
The BAA has announced that Russians & Belarusians who were accepted into the 2022 Boston Marathon or BAA 5K as part of the open registration process & are currently residing in either country will no longer be allowed to compete in either event.https://t. co/pAwqGqJxOI
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— Boston Marathon (@bostonmarathon) April 6, 2022
Russia has been ostracized from world sport since Russian troops invaded Ukraine on February 24.
Football governing bodies Fifa and UEFA have suspended Russia from all international competitions, including the World Cup, while several organizations such as Formula 1 have canceled sporting events scheduled in Russia.
Even if most athletes can still compete individually provided they respect neutrality (no more flags, colors or anthems), the situation could soon change.
Thus, under pressure from the British government, the Wimbledon tennis tournament is questioning the presence in the table of world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev and his compatriots.
As a private club, the All England Lawn Tennis And Croquet Club may reserve the right to declare the Russian persona non grata.
In mid-March, the British sports minister had asked the winner of the last US Open to take a clear and public position against Putin if he wanted to see London at the start of the summer.
"Of course, I have my own opinions on different subjects," replied the Russian.
But I prefer to talk about it with my family, my wife…”
