Ivan Tikhon on prospects for Belarusian athletes’ participation in Paris Olympics

Chairman of the Belarusian Athletics Federation Ivan Tikhon told the sport5.by portal about the stage at which the issue of the return of Belarusian athletes to international competitions is

“A letter has been received from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) signed by its President Sebastian Coe, saying that the sanctions imposed on us last year continue. However, there was a remark that a working group is being created that will tell the way back to international competitions and the Olympic Games. In response, we expressed our position which remains unchanged: Belarus acts as a single team, we are ready to consider the criteria for getting into the Games and we will be happy to further develop athletics, despite the obstacles. A deadline has also been set: the working group will be created by April 27th. After that, it will show us the way to qualifying tournaments and the Olympics,” Ivan Tikhon commented.

He stressed that the Belarusian Athletics Federation lives by faith and hope that common sense will eventually prevail and everyone will understand that sport is a platform for uniting and building, not for destruction and intrigue.