Russian athletes urge UN to end isolation from world sport

Russian track and field athletes have appealed to the United Nations, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Athletics to allow them to return to international competitions, Kommersant reports.

The appeal was signed by 17 Russian athletes, according to two-time Russian champion and pole vaulter Polina Knoroz, who announced the initiative on Instagram.

The athletes called for an end to what they described as “discrimination supported by the leadership of World Athletics” and urged international sports organisations to allow them to compete alongside athletes from around the world.

“For many years, we have been deprived of the opportunity to fulfil our dream. We want to be part of world sport, set records and achieve results,” Knoroz wrote.

“We call on the UN, the IOC and World Athletics to hear our voices and allow us to compete again on the international stage,” she added.

Russian track and field athletes have been barred from World Athletics competitions since 2022.

In July, the IOC reinstated the membership of the Russian Olympic Committee and recommended that international sports federations lift restrictions on Russian athletes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev