Just 15 Russian athletes will compete in Paris, but not under their own flag. Some want them banned altogether

When athletes from Russia and Belarus compete at the Summer Olympics in Paris, there will be no national flags, no anthems and a much smaller delegation than in previous years as Russia's war on Ukraine has turned a country that was once an Olympic powerhouse into a pariah.

During the Tokyo games in 2021, Russian athletes were also forbidden from competing under their country's flag because of a state sponsored doping scheme, but the country still sent 335 athletes and took home more than 70 medals.

In Paris, only 15 Russians will be competing at the games and they will officially be neutral athletes. 

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) invited 36 to participate after they qualified for their sport and passed a screening process designed to root out anyone who has publicly supported the war or military. 

But more than half of those invited have refused to compete, with many opting out in an apparent protest.

"We don't understand why the IOC declined the participation of some athletes," said Nikolai Makarov, the head of Russia's trampoline federation who spoke to CBC News from St. Petersburg.

"In my opinion, it just kills competition."

While the Olympic charter strives to create a sporting culture free of discrimination and politics, the IOC has grappled with how to handle Russia's participation as the invasion it launched against its next-door neighbour grinds on. 

Athletes are required to uphold the values of the Olympics, but they are also free to express themselves, including at post-competition press conferences. 

It is only Russian and Belarusian athletes who have to undergo additional screening.

Ukraine and many of its allies have called for a sweeping ban, saying it's unfair to give Russian athletes a