TIL that, not only does every country have an Olympic team, but there is a team for refugees without a country, too
https://olympics.com/ioc/news/refugee-olympic-team-to-shine-spotlight-on-worldwide-refugee-crisis
Looks like this year so far they have one bronze for Women's Boxing (Middleweight). Nice!
Oh shit, I never knew this. My partner can be on that team. I’ve suddenly found a reason to care about the Olympics!
My understanding is that Russian athletes have been competing as independents, which is a different category from refugees. But apparently, they have been barred from competing in events that also include Ukrainians.
They may have a team, even if they weren't allowed to play. They're just waiting on the sidelines lol
There is a team of athletes who live in Russia, but they're competing as independent athletes from Russia. They are not representing the Russian government.
don't most athletes don't represent their government but just re[resent the people of their country?
They were largely kicked out the Olympics this year.
They have some athletes participating under the “neutral athlete” label. There are not many and it’s much more strict than it had been in the past.
Vatican City is recognized as a sovereign state but im pretty sure they choose not to have an Olympic committee or send athletes to the games.