Paris 2024: What is an Individual Neutral Athlete at the Olympic Games?

Russian athletes will have a new name at the Paris 2024 Olympics as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recommended that Russian and Belarusian athletes be banned from international sporting events. However, the IOC has ruled that these athletes can compete as neutrals under the name “Individual Neutral Athlete” (AIN) in Paris, with strict conditions. There will be no reference to Russian or Belarusian identity, and they will not be included in the medal table of nations. A new flag and anthem will be created for AINs, and they will not participate in team events. The eligibility of AINs will be reviewed by a panel.