1 week ago
Russia could make a major return to the Olympic Games under its national flag at the 2028 Los Angeles event for the first time in years, according to Paolo Zampolli, special envoy to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking to the news agency TASS on Thursday, Zampolli voiced optimism regarding expanded participation by Russian competitors at the Los Angeles Games. He argued that athletic suspensions should not serve as a permanent replacement for political dialogue.
“I am optimistic about further progress that would establish a reliable mechanism for fuller participation by Russian athletes at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics,” Zampolli said. “The US must host Games that are safe, fair, and open to every eligible athlete.”
Following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Russian athletes were excluded from numerous international athletic events. Some competitors were eventually granted permission to participate under a neutral banner, without the use of their country's flag or national anthem.
Zampolli pointed to the planned restoration of the Russian flag and anthem at the 2
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