Russian, Belarusian athletes banned from upcoming Ironman events

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Ironman Group is banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from its world championship events, including May’s Ironman in Kona.

Russian and Belarusian can participate in non-world championship events, but cannot race under their country’s flags. Rather, they must compete in a neutral capacity.

“The Ironman Group stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, our athletes, and their community and condemns the actions dictated by Russian leadership during this deeply troubling international crisis,” the organization said Wednesday, in a news release.

The ban is the latest for Russian and Belarusian athletes across a number of sporting events.

Organizers also said they are ready to assist any Ukrainian athletes registered for upcoming events. Those athletes can reach Ironman’s athlete services team at eu.athleteservices@ironman.com.

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