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As Wimbledon Begins, an Era of Sports Free of Bans and Boycotts Ends

For decades, sports has avoided punishing athletes for the actions of their countries. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has put an end to that.

In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Wimbledon has barred players from Russia and Belarus.Credit...Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

LONDON — For roughly three decades, making sure athletes participated in the biggest events regardless of the world’s never-ending military and political battles has been a nearly sacrosanct tenet of international sports.

Wars broke out. Authoritarian nations with egregious records on human rights hosted major events.