Grip on the IOC's decision: "It's two-part"

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian athletes have been banned from competitions and championships.

But for the next Olympics, that may change.

In a statement last week, the IOC, the International Olympic Committee, said both Russians and Belarusians could participate in future championships under a neutral flag.

In a press release issued yesterday, the UN supported the statement from the IOC.

Sweden supports the decision that is taken.

- We adhere strictly to the decision taken by the IBU (International Biathlon Union) and stand behind it.

When the world situation changes in the war, it is the IBU that discusses it, says Rikard Grip, general secretary of the Swedish Biathlon Union.

"Change required"

For the Russian and Belarusian athletes, the road to the Olympics can go through competitions in Asia.

The Olympic Council of Asia has previously offered athletes from those countries to compete in Asia as the vast majority are currently banned from competing in Europe.

- It is two-fold, you can see the decision so that not everyone will be punished in the same way, but also that they (Russia) are using sport as propaganda.

What is required is that it needs a change, he says.

- Of course we want sports to fraternize and for everyone to be able to participate, at the same time we want peace on earth.

The 2024 Olympics will be held July 26-August 11 in France and Paris.