This rant is on World Athletics, dissolving the impediments for Russia to compete in World Athletics events; however, since Russia and Belarus are being bad global citizens, they can not compete in WA events as long as they wage war in #Ukraine! What do you think? Email me at runblogrun@gmail.com!
Last week, the World Athletics Council decided to release the impediments for Russia to compete in our sport. The truth is Russia and Belarus will be out of track and field until Russia gets out of Ukraine, per Seb Coe. Coe seems to have put the line in the sand.
Map of Greater Russia, from Reddit.com
Thomas Bach, president of the IOC, is releasing the impediments for Russia to compete in the 2024 Olympics. The actual decision was held off, but it is clear that the IOC desperately wants Russia back and will try to find some back-door opportunity (see this NYT article).
In the Larry Rant, I bring up the subject and ask you, our readers, to provide your thoughts and feelings on a critical situation in our sport.
The challenge is this. The minefield that is Russia returning to the global sports world could cause a huge boycott of Paris 2024, something the IOC and the world cannot afford.
Larry Eder has had a 52-year involvement in the sport of athletics. Larry has experienced the sport as an athlete, coach, magazine publisher, and now, journalist and blogger. His first article, on Don Bowden, America's first sub-4 minute miler, was published in RW in 1983. Larry has published several magazines on athletics, from American Athletics to the U.S. version of Spikes magazine. He currently manages the content and marketing development of the RunningNetwork, The Shoe Addicts, and RunBlogRun. Of RunBlogRun, his daily pilgrimage with the sport, Larry says: "I have to admit, I love traveling to far away meets, writing about the sport I love, and the athletes I respect, for my readers at runblogrun.com, the most of anything I have ever done, except, maybe running itself." Also does some updates for BBC Sports at key events, which he truly enjoys. Theme song: Greg Allman, " I'm no Angel."
Larry Eder has had a 52-year involvement in the sport of athletics. Larry has experienced the sport as an athlete, coach, magazine publisher, and now, journalist and blogger. His first article, on Don Bowden, America's first sub-4 minute miler, was published in RW in 1983. Larry has published several magazines on athletics, from American Athletics to the U.S. version of Spikes magazine. He currently manages the content and marketing development of the RunningNetwork, The Shoe Addicts, and RunBlogRun. Of RunBlogRun, his daily pilgrimage with the sport, Larry says: "I have to admit, I love traveling to far away meets, writing about the sport I love, and the athletes I respect, for my readers at runblogrun.com, the most of anything I have ever done, except, maybe running itself." Also does some updates for BBC Sports at key events, which he truly enjoys. Theme song: Greg Allman, " I'm no Angel."
Larry, I support your view that Russian and Belorussian athletes should be kept out of World and Olympic athletics championships. Russias invasion of Afghanistan was bad, but this Ukrainian invasion is much worse. I hate Oly boycotts, but this may bring one on. I hope the IOC changes its position back to blocking Russians from participating. Keep up your good work on reporting about our beloved sport. I met you once at the US Oly Trials at Hamilton Hall at U of O in the past. Sincerely, Dick Hails Durham, NC
Larry,
I support your view that Russian and Belorussian athletes should be kept out of World and Olympic athletics championships. Russias invasion of Afghanistan was bad, but this Ukrainian invasion is much worse.
I hate Oly boycotts, but this may bring one on.
I hope the IOC changes its position back to blocking Russians from participating.
Keep up your good work on reporting about our beloved sport. I met you once at the US Oly Trials at Hamilton Hall at U of O in the past.
Sincerely,
Dick Hails
Durham, NC