The survey took place between January 2 and 11, with 1,006 respondents questioned. These data are representative of Latvian residents aged 18-74 who use the Internet at least once a week.
The statement posed was “Latvian athletes should participate in the Paris Olympics if neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus will also participate”. 14% of the respondents strongly disagreed, 12% rather disagreed, and 20% neither agreed nor disagreed. 16% rather agreed and 31% certainly agreed. 7% of respondents did not know.
When assessing opportunities for Latvia to participate in the Paris games, LOK wants to first await Ukraine's position, which is not yet known. In Ukraine, there have previously been differing views on participation in the Paris Games alongside athletes from aggressor countries, but the final decision has yet to be articulated. LOK previously said the rush with the withdrawal of participation in the Paris games would certainly be out of place, with more than half a year to go until the Olympics begin.
In the survey there was no significant difference of opinions among age groups, but there was some regional difference – those from Vidzeme were more likely to support the Latvian boycott.
Meanwhile, the greatest support for the participation of Latvian athletes in the Paris games was expressed by Russian respondents – 51% definitely agreed that Latvia should participate in the games, as well as respondents of other nationalities – 55%. Meanwhile, 20% of Latvian respondents believe that Latvian athletes definitely should not participate in the games, 17% rather think Latvia should not participate, 20% have a neutral position, 17% rather think the athletes have to participate in the games, while 18% definitely think they have to participate.
