IOC Member on Russian Athletes: 'Everyone Misses Them,' Despite Their Support for the War

Pattama Leeswadtrakul's Remarks on the Return of Russian Competitors

According to Главком: Pattama Leeswadtrakul, Thailand's representative on the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has commented on the readmission of Russian athletes to international events. She confirmed that 13 Russians have already been cleared to compete under a neutral banner at the 2026 Olympics. This decision is controversial, given that some approved athletes, such as skiers Savely Korostelev and Daria Nepryaeva, have documented ties to the Russian military and have publicly supported the war in Ukraine.

Savely Korostelev is an active serviceman in the Russian army and has shown his backing for the invasion by 'liking' social media posts featuring the pro-war 'Z' symbol. Daria Nepryaeva, for her part, visited the annexed Crimean peninsula in the summer of 2022 and participated in training camps there. Reports also indicate that Russian cross-country skiers have illegally crossed the Ukrainian border, bypassing customs and border control.

The Significance of the Global Response

Addressing the timeline for the athletes' return, Pattama Leeswadtrakul stated: 'When will the Russian Olympians come back? We always ask ourselves the same question. Everyone misses the Russian athletes, everyone feels the same.'

The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to begin on February 10, a day on which Ukrainian athletes are set to compete in six events. The IOC's stance continues to be a subject of intense debate within the global sports community, balancing principles of neutrality against the backdrop of ongoing conflict.

The reinstatement of Russian competitors amidst the war in Ukraine has sparked significant controversy and scrutiny. This situation highlights the complex geopolitical tensions now permeating international sport, as Ukrainian athletes continue to participate despite the hostilities on their soil. It is crucial for the international community to consider the broader implications of such decisions, as they carry serious consequences for sporting ethics and competitive fairness.