World Athletics’ Russia stance remains unchanged, Sebastian Coe says

World’s Athletics President Sebastian Coe reportedly says the administrative viewpoint on sanctions imposed on Russia will not change. According to Coe, athletes from Russia and Belarus have been prohibited from global events and track-and-field competition by World Athletics since the country’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In this connection, Coe said: “ Our position hasn't changed. This isn't about politics or passports, it's about the integrity of competition.”

Coe who notably won two Olympic gold medals during a famed athletics journey has vowed to be present in the case of World Athletics. Coe further said that the issue required resolution and that their ultimate goal was to achieve global scale and full participation in our sport.

The stance taken by World Athletics diverged from that of the International Olympic Committee as well as those of governing bodies in other sports.

The IOC temporarily revoked Russia's suspension in July paving the way for national participation at the 2028 Olympics Games in Los Angeles. In addition, other support federations including World Gymnastics, World Aquatics and Boxing this year lifted restrictions on Russian athletes competing this year.