No emergency. The International Skating Union (ISU) does not seem ready to quickly resolve the question of a possible return of Russian and Belarusian athletes to international competitions. She can afford it, with the season for individual ice sports coming to an end. In a press release relayed by the agency TASS, the ISU explains that the decision will be made in June… or October 2023. “ The ISU is closely following the situation in Ukraine and its impact on ISU activity as well as discussions within the Olympic movementexplains the statement. The ISU took note of the IOC statement (...) and its recommendations for international federations on the participation of athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport in international competitions (...). The ISU Council will discuss the matter at its next meeting, either in June or October.”. Same cautious wait-and-see attitude at the International Roller Skating and Skateboarding Federation (World Skate), although it is directly concerned by the Paris Games, where skateboarding will be an additional sport for the second time. The body announces, unsurprisingly, that it supports the IOC’s recommendations. But she wants to give herself time. “ Understanding the need to find a consistent approach across all its disciplines, World Skate is now working to develop the independent review processes necessary to enable and plan for the return of these athletes, in consultation with the IOC and ASOIF, she said in a press release. This review process and potential return timelines will be discussed in more detail at upcoming World Skate Executive Committee meetings and announced as soon as possible. »
