The list goes on. Not surprisingly, a new body in a summer Olympic sport has come out in favour of the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competition. The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) announced in a statement that its executive board had approved their return to the scene, following the recommendation of the IOC Executive Board. The Russian and Belarusian weightlifters will be able to compete as neutral athletes, provided they are deemed eligible by an ad hoc commission. The IWF says it will use “independent agencies” to determine which competitors, and which members of the coaching staff, meet the conditions set by the body for reinstatement.
