Paralympics U-turn sees Russians banned from Beijing as F1 reverses out of deal

Russian and Belarusian athletes will be banned from the Beijing Winter Paralympics after a U-turn from the International Paralympic Committee, while Formula One is pulling out of Russia entirely.

This year’s race, due to take place in Sochi on September 25, was dropped from the calendar last week, but F1’s contract with its Russia promoter has now been cancelled following the invasion of Ukraine.

The IPC has been forced into a swift reversal of its policy after the announcement on Wednesday that athletes from Russia and Belarus would be allowed to compete under a neutral flag was met by criticism and the threat of a boycott.

In a statement on Thursday morning, IPC president Andrew Parsons said: “In taking our decision yesterday, we were looking at the long-term health and survival of the Paralympic Movement. We are fiercely proud of the principles and values that have made the Movement what it is today.

“However, what is clear is that the rapidly escalating situation has now put us in a unique and impossible position so close to the start of the Games. Yesterday we said we would continue to listen, and that is what we are doing.”

Parsons said 83 athletes would now be unable to compete, but the decision was taken because of the threat of widespread withdrawals from other countries as well as concerns about safety.

The situation in the athletes village, Parsons said, had “become untenable”.

He said: “In the last 12 hours, an overwhelming number of members have been in touch with us and been very open, for which I am grateful. They have told us that, if we do not reconsider our decision, it is now likely to have grave consequences for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.

“Multiple NPCs (National Paralympic Committees),