A historical recap of countries that have been banned from the Olympics since 1920
The Olympic Games are renowned for uniting countries in a global celebration of sportsmanship, aiming to eradicate racism, promote unity, and celebrate various disciplines.
However, since 1920, thirteen countries have been banned from the Olympics for reasons such as war, doping, political stances, or violations of IOC rules.
1920 Antwerp Summer Olympics
Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Turkey could not compete or present athletes due to their involvement in World War I.
1924 Paris Summer Olympics
In 1924, during the Paris Olympics, Germans again could not participate due to the extension of the previous ban resulting from the aftermath of World War I.
1948 London Summer Olympics
Germany again could not compete in the 1948 Olympic games alongside Japan. The two nations were being penalized for the consequence of their roles in World War II and its aftermath.
1964-1992 Olympic Games
Generally, from 1964 through to 1992, South Africa was banned from all the Olympic games held within that period due to its apartheid regime and racial segregation policies, which sought to discriminate against black South Africans.
1972 Munich Summer Olympics
Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) was banned due to international pressure and protests against the country’s racial segregation policies.
2000 Sydney Summer Olympics
Afghanistan banned and could not present athletes due to the ruling Taliban’s stance on women.
2016 Rio Summer Olympics
Kuwait was also suspended by the IOC due to government interference in the country’s Olympic committee during the Rio Olympics in 2016.
2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
North Korea was banned due to its decision to withdraw from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, citing COVID-19 concerns, which violated the Olympic Charter.
2024 Paris Summer Olympics
Russia and Belarus were banned in January 2023 by the IOC due to Russia's war on Ukraine. The IOC declared “solidarity with Ukraine” and prohibited Russia and its ally Belarus from officially competing. However, individual athletes from these nations can participate on a restricted basis, with 15 Russian and 17 Belarusian athletes competing as neutral athletes.
