Just who is the Russian regime anyway? Putin himself or the 5 million communist beurocrats in government?
Most get the sense that this is "Putin's war", while he does have a pretty long record of filing up cemeteries with his opposition. I am far from an apologist and hope this whole mess ends soon in some sort of coup, or assassination.
That said I see a chasm between indefensable geopolitical blunders and barbarism, and the atheletes of any particular county themselves. Whereas State sponsored athletic cheating through doping is a whole other matter and should of course result in banning and other severe sanctions.
For many if not most Olympic athletes, the window for peak performance and the chance at a lifetime dream of a medal alligns to a single Olympic window, where 4 years earlier or 4 years later miss that onetime moment. Years of training leading up to that moment for not, hopes and dreams dashed, because some madman, well beyond ones reach or influence, is just plain evil.
What is that athelete specifically to do? Puff out his chest and take to the streets in protest? Putin has a way of dealing with such things, that will result in a next man up for that team. Even if the athelete is publicly opposed to the government's policies, will the IOC then issue a waiver to attend? No chance. Guilt by association is a perilous path.
It wasn't so long ago, the now second worst president in my lifetime, killed the olympic dreams for our and our allies athletes, in some misguided belief that full political, social, economic pressure would make a difference. The result is hundreds of our very best had that fleeting moment in their history dashed forever, for next to zero real benefit. It did make the politicians feel good, as they were doing something, and for that political persuasion, that's all that matters. Intent over outcome, always.
In the end what did make a difference was the threat of annihilation. That threat came from the next guy in line and the crisis ended rapidly without a shot being fired.
So in the end, I despise communism, and don't particularly like any Russian sports team. I admire the skill of several individual athletes who represent the best in the world at their craft.
That said when an athlete becomes a political pawn, virtually nothing good comes from it.
Sports used to be a haven for all to turn their backs on politics and enjoy competition unfettered. Unfortunately the modern temptation to make a statement to that captive audience is simply too great a temptation for the many beuracracies to resist. It is now difficult to watch any event without some social justice cause creeping in to better the world through appropriation or outright kidnapping. I long for the days when sports were pure.
