The UIPM will check the Russian and Belarusian pentathlon athletes
The International Modern Pentathlon Federation (UIPM) has set up a five-person commission to designate Russian and Belarusian athletes who meet the starting criteria as neutrals, the federation’s website reported.
The three-time Olympian, two-time world champion, and member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), will head the group that will also look at the time frame of the athletes who might return. Others come from Guatemala, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Belgium.
The UIPM’s decision follows a recommendation in March by the IOC’s executive board that individual Russian and Belarusian athletes could return to competition as neutrals if they did not openly support the invasion of Ukraine or were not affiliated with the military.
Ukrainian pentathlon athletes quickly responded by posting a video opposing the decision, and the country vowed to boycott any sporting event attended by Russians and Belarusians.
“First, I would like to stress that the UIPM stands in unwavering solidarity with the modern Ukrainian pentathlon community and we will continue to support the athletes affected by the invasion of Ukraine in every way possible,” said UIPM President Dr. Klaus Schurmann.
“On behalf of the UIPM Board of Directors, I express my deep satisfaction that the people appointed to this control panel are highly qualified and objective, bringing a wide range of expertise to this complex task. The Committee will ensure that all entries from neutral athletes are carefully reviewed and evaluated according to agreed standards with the International Olympic Committee.
