LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Olympic officials banned the Russian Federation from the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on Tuesday, forbidding Russia’s flag, anthem and government officials from having any part in the event.
That doesn’t mean that no athletes from Russia will compete.
Will any Russian athletes be allowed to compete?
Yes. Olympic officials offered Russian athletes the chance to request special permission to compete as individuals under an independent flag.
What’s the process for getting special clearance?
Over the next nine weeks, athletes must first be approved by their individual sport’s governing body.