In the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, amid the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a distinct absence is felt. Russia, barred from participating as a nation due to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, has adopted a decidedly antagonistic stance toward the event.
Since the conflict in Ukraine began in early 2022, Russian competitors have faced restrictions, being able to participate only as neutral athletes without national symbols. This year, only 15 athletes represent Russia under these strict conditions.
State-affiliated Russian media began highlighting every possible flaw in the games, from minor complaints about meals in the Olympic Village to major controversies, such as those involving gender classifications in boxing. Their coverage consistently cast the games in a negative light, criticizing not only the events but also the French hosts and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Scandals and criticism have been at the center of Russian reporting since the Games began. They have focused in particular on the controversy surrounding a drag queen performance during the opening ceremony, which they said mocked religious sentiments. Russian media outlets, such as Argumenty i Fakty, have vehemently criticized the IOC’s explanations, with one calling the ceremony a “hellish spectacle.”
As the games unfolded, Russian media painted a picture of chaos, citing safety concerns and pollution to mismanagement. They covered incidents such as a British athlete finding worms in a meal and a COVID-19 outbreak among participants extensively, highlighting perceived negligence on the part of organizers.
In addition, concerns about the quality of the Seine’s water have come under fire after several events were disrupted. This narrative reached a climax with a report in the Moskovsky Komsomolets, in which an expert described the potential health risks of the river’s contamination.
The scorn extended beyond the reporting, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions. With Russia’s participation severely limited and its previous ban from international competition due to doping allegations, media coverage often seemed like an outlet for broader grievances against the West.
In one of their most incendiary articles titled “Poisoned by Paris,” Argumenty i Fakty accused the IOC of indifference to athletes’ health. This sentiment was echoed throughout the Russian media, which painted a grim picture of the 2024 Olympics, suggesting a mix of schadenfreude and a strategic narrative against perceived Western bias.
Even Russian successes, such as the silver medal in women’s doubles tennis won by neutral athletes Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider, were covered with particular emphasis on their refusal to discuss Russian politics, further underscoring the complex interplay between sports and political tensions.
As the Games progress, Russian media coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympics remains deeply intertwined with the country’s broader political struggles and its representation on the international stage.
