Del Toro wins stage of the Tour after Pogacar’s gesture

The IOC takes a step towards Russian reintegration

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday relaxed its requirements for Russian athletes and teams to compete with the national flag and anthem at Los Angeles 2028. The decision includes provisionally lifting the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, in force since October 2023.

The organization justified the change by the start of the qualifying events and the need to offer equal access to all competitors. “We do not want to hold athletes responsible for the actions of their governments,” said IOC President Kirsty Coventry.

Ukraine’s stance and persistent barriers

Ukrainian Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi questioned the measure: “Nothing changed in the war. The situation got worse.” He noted that on Monday Ukraine suffered missile and drone attacks that left at least 22 dead. “We don’t understand it. On a day of mourning, when peaceful citizens were deprived of their lives, the IOC decides this,” he said.

However, the IOC guidance is not binding for every sport. World Athletics maintains the ban on Russians and Belarusians in its events. FIFA and UEFA continue to exclude Russia from competitions such as the World Cup.

Among top-level sports, World Aquatics already lifted restrictions in April. The IOC assures that the Russian Olympic Committee confirmed that it does not carry out activities in occupied Ukrainian territories, although kyiv described that promise as “empty words.”

Control and next steps

Russian athletes have yet to prove they have no military ties nor have they supported the war. The IOC will monitor your social networks. The final decision on the flag and anthem will come “at the appropriate time”, probably before the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar in October 2026.

The return could mean Russia sends more than 300 athletes to Los Angeles, compared to just 32 who competed as neutrals at Paris 2024.

The Mexican National Team was left out of the 2026 World Cup after losing 3-2 to England in the round of 16. The defeat left a feeling of sadness among fans, but also opened space for gestures of international solidarity.

Solidarity from Japan

Japan’s ambassador to Mexico, Kozo Honsei, posted a video on his X account to express his support. In the message, lasting just over a minute, the diplomat recognized the effort of the Mexican team.

“While I was playing I received many messages, not only from Mexico but from Japan, saying that the Mexican National Team played well and with determination until the end,” said Honsei.

He added that both teams were eliminated, but stressed that “both towns can advance even more for the future.”

The ambassador also thanked the Mexicans for receiving the visitors with “a lot of kindness and stability.” He noted that many foreigners, including Japanese, ended up becoming fans of the local team because of the treatment they received.

He concluded with a forceful recognition: Mexicans “have been the best hosts of this World Cup and in history.”

The diplomat’s gesture was well received on social networks, where users highlighted the empathy and respect shown towards the Mexican fans at a time of sporting disappointment.

Serena Williams aims for the US Open

Serena Williams, 44, could return to the US Open in August, four years after her last appearance. This was indicated by her coach Rennae Stubbs during Wimbledon, where Williams lost in the first round of singles to Maya Joint.

Stubbs said: “His intention is to continue playing, including the US Open.”

Williams suffered a right knee injury during that match, forcing her to withdraw from doubles with her sister Venus. On Instagram he shared images of syringes with fluid extracted from his knee. Even so, Stubbs assured that his level was high before the injury.

“She whispered: ‘I would have won if I had a good knee.’ In the run-up, she beat players who are still in the tournament,” she said.

The US Open main draw begins on August 30. Williams could receive invitations to preparatory tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati. James Blake, former tennis player and commentator, highlighted the impact of the possible return.

“It’s going to be huge. She deserves it because she’s the best of all time in women’s tennis,” Blake told The Associated Press.

Caroline Wozniacki, a friend of Williams, noted that her movement on grass was already good and she expects improvement on hard courts.

Williams has already shown his power with serves over 120 mph. The US Open, a tournament he has won six times in singles, could be favorable for him.