Olympic Dilemma: Discrimination Against Athletes at the Olympic Games Based on Their Nationality

This article examines the intersection of politics and sports at the Olympic Games, focusing on the discrimination of athletes based on their nationality. It distinguishes between legitimate sanctions for athletes’ own misconduct—such as doping or violations of Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter—and instances where athletes are excluded from the Olympic Games due to political decisions or misconduct of their states and/or National Olympic Committees. Through case studies, the article questions the proportionality of sporting sanctions imposed on states and their impact on individual athletes’ rights. It argues for a balanced approach that upholds the integrity of sports while safeguarding athletes’ fundamental rights to participate in sports without discrimination.