As tensions between Russia and the rest of the world continue to escalate after its unexpected invasion of Ukraine, more sports are following the appeal of the International Olympics Committee and preventing Russian athletes from competing in events. 

Russia has been banned from competing in international ice skating, skiing, track, and certain tennis events shortly after being kicked out from hockey and soccer. The International Skating Union (ISU), an organization that runs sporting events around the world, has stated that Russian and Belarusian athletes should be barred from participating in events until further notice, as Belarus has been an ally of Russia following the invasion. Such a decision has sparked 

“Russia being banned from sports sends a message of solidarity to Ukraine, but countries must be careful to not direct action against the players themselves, but rather the corrupt regime,” Ryan Kennedy, senior, said. 

Because of the ISU’s decision, Olympic champion Anna Shcherbakova and her teammate, Kamila Valieva, who was the focus of the ongoing doping dispute at the Winter Olympics, will not be allowed to participate in the world figure skating championships. Although, they competed under the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) instead of Russia. The imposed restrictions have sparked sharp criticism from Russians.  

“Our country has always adhered to the principle that sport is beyond politics, but we are constantly drawn into the politics because they understand the importance of sport in the lives of our Russian people,” Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, who was stripped of an IOC honor for organizing the 2014 Sochi Olympics, said at a Sports Ministry meeting.  

Both the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the International Baseball Federation have suspended Russia from competing in its events. Moreover, the International Volleyball Federation stripped Russia of hosting the men’s world championships. The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), the body that manages the American Olympic teams, additionally opposes Russian teams competing.   

“As the world watches in horror while Russia brazenly attacks the innocent people and athletes of Ukraine, this is the only acceptable action to be taken until peace has been restored,” the USOPC said in a statement.  

As economic sanctions increase, Russia continues to be banned from sports all around the world following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.