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Russia invasion upends Olympic ‘neutrality’ — if it existed

FILE - From left to right, Dr. Joseph Goebbels, German Chancellor Adolf Hitler, Reichs Sports Leader Hans von Tschammer und Osten and General Field Marschall Werner von Blomberg observe the Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany in August 1936. The International Olympic Committee has always been political, from the sheikhs and royals in its membership to a seat at the United Nations to pushing for peace talks between the Koreas. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three weeks ago exposed its irreconcilable claims of “political neutrality.” (AP Photo, File) FILE - United States athletes Tommie Smith, center, and John Carlos raise their gloved fists after Smith received the gold and Carlos the bronze for the 200-meter run at the Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City, Oct. 16, 1968. The International Olympic Committee has always been political, from the sheikhs and royals in its membership to a seat at the United Nations to pushing for peace talks between the Koreas. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three weeks ago exposed its irreconcilable claims of “political neutrality.” (AP Photo/File) FILE - From left to right, South Korea President Moon Jae-in, IOC President Thomas Bach, North Korea's nominal head of state Kim Yong Nam and Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, greet players after the women's hockey game between Switzerland and the combined Koreas at the Winter Olympics in Gangneung, South Korea, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018. The International Olympic Committee has always been political, from the sheikhs and royals in its membership to a seat at the United Nations to pushing for peace talks between the Koreas. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three weeks ago exposed its irreconcilable claims of “political neutrality.” (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) FILE - International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, left, talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping before the IOC President's Gala Dinner on the eve of the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. The International Olympic Committee has always been political, from the sheikhs and royals in its membership to a seat at the United Nations to pushing for peace talks between the Koreas. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three weeks ago exposed its irreconcilable claims of “political neutrality.” (AP Photo/Andrej Isakovic, Pool, File) FILE - International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, left, shakes hands with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during a meeting at the United Nations headquarters Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015. The International Olympic Committee has always been political, from the sheikhs and royals in its membership to a seat at the United Nations to pushing for peace talks between the Koreas. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three weeks ago exposed its irreconcilable claims of “political neutrality.” (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen, File)