Russia’s Rings Return

The door to Los Angeles 2028 is cracking open for Russian Olympians.

Russia was suspended from the Olympic Games in 2018, 2020, and 2022 following a state-sponsored doping scandal, and from the 2024 Paris Games following its invasion of Ukraine. During the bans, athletes could compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (rules: no doping, no military ties, no public war support).

On Tuesday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) provisionally lifted Russia’s suspension, saying it no longer claims ownership of Ukraine’s Olympic organizations.

There are some asterisks. Each international sports federation (e.g., track and field) can still ban Russia, and another decision will be made on whether Russia’s flag and anthem will be welcome in Los Angeles.

CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Whether we’re professional athletes, committee members, nursery volunteers, newsletter writers, or baristas, we have an opportunity every day to honor God in our work with the gifts He’s given us, and to show the love of Christ to those around us as we do.

“Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3:23-24 (CSB) (read full passage)