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Although Russia and Belarus are barred from the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Paris due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which breaches Olympic regulations, several athletes from these countries will still compete. These athletes will participate as "individual neutral athletes" (AINs).
As of August 1, 2024, no individual neutral athletes have claimed medals at the Paris Games. If any do, their medals won’t contribute to Russia’s or Belarus’s total Olympic and Paralympic medal counts. If they reach the podium, these athletes—without national affiliation—will be honored under neutral symbolism, as Russia and Belarus are not permitted to use their flags or anthem after being banned for violating the Olympic Charter.
The neutral flag designed for AINs displays a teal background with a central circular emblem featuring the words Individual Neutral Athlete / Athlète Individuel Neutre. Similarly, the anthem played is an instrumental piece created specifically for the Games. While other athletes wear uniforms featuring their national symbols, AINs sport plain white clothing with no country markings.
In previous years, Olympic and Paralympic athletes who couldn't represent their countries due to political changes or international sanctions have competed as "independent" athletes or under other labels. During the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo (held in 2021 because of the pandemic), and the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, Russian athletes participated as part of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) team, owing to the ongoing sanctions tied to the nation's alleged state-sponsored doping activities.
Athletes who are unable to compete for their home countries due to political reasons can join the Refugee Olympic Team. In Paris, this team returns with 36 athletes, representing the displaced population around the world. Athletes from countries such as Iran, South Sudan, Syria, Ethiopia, and Cuba will compete in 12 different sports, including canoeing, judo, weightlifting, and swimming. If any of these athletes make it to the podium, they will receive their medals under the Olympic flag, accompanied by the Olympic Hymn.
