IOC Approves Neutral Flag and Anthem for Athletes at 2024 Olympics
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that individual neutral athletes participating in the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris will have a designated flag and anthem. The IOC’s website stated that the anthem, which has no lyrics, was specifically created for the Games and will be played if neutral athletes win gold medals.
In a move to ensure that awards won by neutral athletes are recognized, the IOC has decided not to include them in the official medal table of the Games. This decision comes as Russian and Belarusian athletes, among others, will have the opportunity to compete under a neutral status.
This development provides a pathway for athletes from countries facing bans or restrictions to still showcase their talents on the Olympic stage. The approval of a flag and anthem for individual neutral athletes highlights the commitment of the IOC to uphold the spirit of fair competition and inclusivity in the Olympic Games.
