edwards coaches trips 2023

• Northern-Ireland
• London Theatre
• Jersey and the Channel Islands
• City Breaks
• Take The Children
• Christmas Tours
• New Year Breaks
• T&T and Christmas Markets
• Direct Route
• Czech Republic
• Disneyland® Paris
• Switzerland
• River Cruises
• Red Dragon Tours
• European Summer Brochure
• Main / Supplement Brochure
• Winter Brochure
• Theatre Breaks
• Edwards LIVE!
• Flower and Gardens
• Sporting Events
• Day Trip / Excursion Departures
• New additions, Deals & Offers
• Our Tours Departing in 2024
• Our Tours Departing in 2025

The "Emerald Isle" is renowned for its lush landscape, untamed coast line and rolling green hills which are dotted with castles and ancient sites, there is always something to do and always something to see.

Titanic Belfast and the Stunning Antrim Coast

Irish Craic Tour - Enniscorthy including Waterford & Dublin

County Clare, Galway & Cliffs of Moher - Drinks Inclusive

Waterford - Dooley's Hotel - Irish Sea ferry crossing, explore Dunbrody Famine Ship, excursion to medieval Kilkenny & journey on the Kilkenny Road Train

Causeway Coast & Delightful Derry

Bantry & The Gulf Stream Coast

The Wild Atlantic Way and the Unspoilt Beauty of Connemara

Killarney, the Ring of Kerry & the Dingle Peninsula - Killarney Towers

Irish Turkey & Tinsel - Enniscorthy

New Year in Waterford - Treacys

Keyword Search

• Questionnaire
• LOCAL BUSES
• GROUP HOLIDAYS
• Travel Insurance
• NEWS / BLOG
• FOREIGN TRAVEL ADVICE
• Cookie Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Terms Conditions

The Courtyard, Parc Busnes Edwards, Llantrisant, Pontyclun, CF72 8QZ

Company No: 4045308 VAT No: 762752807

This website uses cookies to store essential information. By continuing to browse the website you are agreeing to their use. With your permission we would like use additional cookies. For more information you can view our cookie policy . Select Settings to change your cookie preferences. To allow the use of all cookies select Accept.

• All Day Trips
• 2024 Day Trips
• UK Day Trips
• European Day Trips
• River Cruises
• Steam Trains
• Historic Attractions
• Flowers & Gardens
• Zoos & Animals
• Shows & Festivals
• Theatre Trips
• Towns & Cities
• Christmas Trips
• Shopping Trips
• Theme Parks
• Food & Drink
• Online Exclusives
• 2025 Day Trips
• 2024 Holidays
• UK Holidays
• European Holidays
• Warner Holidays
• River Cruise Holidays
• Platinum Holidays
• East of England
• East Midlands
• West Midlands
• Gift Vouchers
• Our Brochures
• Competitions
• Booking Conditions

Coach hire, coach trips & coach holidays

From east sussex, if you are looking for a stress-free way to explore the uk and europe, from east sussex, lj edwards is here to make it happen.

Why choose us?

Personal Approach

Our passengers are at the heart of all we do, putting your comfort and safety first. With our years of experience and commitment to customer satisfaction, you'll always get the best service on your day trips and holidays.

State of the art coach fleet

Embark on a memorable experience as you indulge in luxury and comfort aboard our high-quality coaches. With modern amenities including air conditioning, comfortable seats, entertainment systems, and fridges, our vehicles guarantee a delightful journey.

Professional

We prioritise customer satisfaction, our experienced team and drivers go the extra mile to ensure an enjoyable journey for each passenger.

Safety and service

When it comes to day trips and holidays by coach, choose us for a reliable and exceptional experience. Our coaches meet the highest industry standards and we hold accreditations with coachMarque and BUSK.

Experience the ultimate convenience with our strategically placed pick-up points across East Sussex, from Eastbourne to Hastings and our hassle free door-to-door pick up service on coach holidays.

Enjoy secure, easy booking on our website or view and download our brochure  to browse our day trips and holidays at your leisure, whichever suits you best! 

Availability Search

Keyword search, contact us:.

• Cookie Policy

This website uses cookies to store essential information. By continuing to browse the website you are agreeing to their use. With your permission we would like use additional cookies. For more information you can view our cookie policy . Select Settings to change your cookie preferences. To allow the use of all cookies select Accept.

Suggested companies

Leisuretime by toureasy.

Edwards Coaches Ltd   Reviews

In the Bus and coach company category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.1.

Most relevant

Be aware cancel a day trip will cost you 100% .

On 13th May I booked a day trip to the Harry Potter studio tour for myself and my. Aunty. At a cost of £228. I am 70 yrs and my Aunty is 82 yrs. at the end of the phone call I was told the coach would be picking us up at 6.30 am at Sarn services. I told my aunt and we both agreed that the time was too early for us. On 23rd May I sent an email to the booking line and told them I wanted to cancel. I then received an email and invoice stating the cancellation fee was 100% of the cost, even though the tour isn't until 13th September. (115 days for them to resell the tickets).I phoned the same person who took my booking but that's all I got was "it's our policy" I asked why I didn't have a phone call to explain this before it was cancelled but I didn't get a reply. I think waiting for customer services to get in touch with me. Be aware 10 days cost me £228.00.

Date of experience : 23 May 2024

Excellent hotel central location

Excellent hotel central location, food very good. Driver very helpful at all times Coach very comfortable. For future reference it would be good if you included a magical mystery tour in the itinerary

Date of experience : 19 May 2024

Brilliant city break and Driver

Just returned from a fabulous city break in Liverpool. Stayed at the Atlantic Mercure Hotel.Rooms were comfortable. Fabulous breakfast and friendly staff. A big thank you to Philip our driver who made the trip. You are a credit to Edwards. Thank you.

Date of experience : 26 April 2024

Visited Looe in Cornwall

Visited Looe in Cornwall For an Easter weekend break with Edward's coaches Great trip from start to finish Phillip the driver was friendly professional and entertaining The whole weekend was well organised and enjoyable

Date of experience : 29 March 2024

Absolutely amazing experience went to disney…

Absolutely amazing we went to disney land paris and our driver who picked us up in Newport was absolutely amazing! He was fun and patient and overall the best driver and experience we have have ever had! Will be travelling again

Date of experience : 24 March 2024

Phil our driver made our trip to…

Phil our driver made our trip to Eastbourne a great experience a laugh a minute, he's an excellent coach driver and a great trip guide. The Aston Hotel was a great place to stay, central and opposite the Pier and staff were all very helpful . But have to emphasise again you couldn't get a better driver on a coach tour than Phil.

Date of experience : 11 March 2024

Excellent holiday

Excellent holiday, as usual. A 5 day city tour to York didn't disappoint. The Queens Hotel was exceptional and the food very appetising. The driver, John, made us all welcome and helped each and everyone when required. The added bonus was a flooded river that actually added to the outstanding views from the bedroom windows. All was done to avoid any disappointment on the days away. Thank you Edwards Coaches.

Date of experience : 22 October 2023

Weekend in Paris

Just been on a weekend to Paris with Edwards. Chris our coach driver made the experience excellent. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He was extremely helpful and entertaining.

Date of experience : 15 March 2024

Discrimination

Booked the two nights Emerdale tour online, for my son who is in a wheelchair and myself. All went through seamlessly. Thirty minutes later I received a call from Edwards telling me that they were unable to accommodate me as the did not have enough room on the bus for the wheelchair. Bearing in mind this is only a two night stay and would only involve a minimal amount of luggage. I do not believe there would not be enough room for a folding wheelchair. Also, I have been on a similar two nights stay with Edwards before, with the wheelchair, and there was more than ample space. I feel this is discrimination on the part of Edwards.

Date of experience : 04 March 2024

Very rude coach driver!!

My mother has just returned from a week in Tenby arranged by Edwards coaches. she enjoyed the trip itself and the hotel, but the trip was marred significantly by an extremely rude abrupt, impatient, coach driver, who kept changing his mind on collection times and seemed to just want to her home. When asked questions from the Mostly elderly passengers he would snap angrily back. I am extremely cross with how both my mother and other passengers were spoken to and treated.

Date of experience : 11 August 2023

Valkenberg Christmas 2023

We have just returned from Valkenberg with our driver Charlie. From start to finish the experience has been positive. The ease in booking the trip, the updates, the reliability of pick up times, the additional extras on the ferry, the unexpected excurshion to Aachen Christmas Market, all added up to an excellent mini break. Reason for the 4 stars and not 5 is the room was very small and the beds weren't great. The meals were fine and approprate for the money spent. That said, the location of the hotel was excellent and Charlie's happy disposition well made up for anything lacking with the hotel room.

Date of experience : 21 December 2023

Edwards excells.

As always, Edwards delivers quality. We have just returned from our latest trip with this wonderful tour group. We visited Studley Castle, leaving on the 14th of November and arriving home on the 18th. Our driver, Paul, was friendly and attentive throughout, giving us, as passengers, the option to choose the amount of time we spent at each destination. The overall experience was what we have come to expect from Edwards......fabulous!

Date of experience : 04 November 2022

Amazing experience ❤️

I recently came back from a 2 day trip to Liverpool/Anfield with my son. The trip was absolutely faultless. So well organised and run, the bus was comfortable and the journey was well planned out. The communication was fantastic. Edwards Coaches removed all the stress around booking and travel so we were free to relax and enjoy the trip. The hotel was lovely, and the stadium tour was so much fun. All for an amazing price too. Thank you Edwards Coaches, we had an amazing time and looking forward to future trips with you :)

Date of experience : 01 November 2023

Family trip to Disney Paris

Family trip to Disney Paris. Absolutely fantastic..don't get me wrong long travel coach,ferry then coach but worth it. Coach driver Dai was fab. movies on so kept kids entertained (and me) 😄 Disney was amazing our kids and grandkids (grandparents) will have amazing memories for years to come.

Date of experience : 19 September 2023

Just come back from 25 night Spanish…

Just come back from 25 night Spanish holiday with Edwards amazing couldn't fault a thing Hotel, food amenities, Trips out and the drivers Chris and Rich were AMAZING please can we have them next year as well

Date of experience : 06 January 2024

Just yesterday returned from a fabulous…

Just yesterday returned from a fabulous five days to SHROPSHIRE AND THE WELSH BOARDERS made all the more enjoyable by Edwards coach driver CHRIS SINGLETON (CS). After a hiccup at the start (evening meal on arrival) sorted satisfactorily with the help of CS if it had not been sorted that first day the holiday could have been a disaster. CS was pleasant, courteous and funny also flexible in as much as making things as easy as possible for those of us who are not so mobile. Thanks to all Edwards staff for making the holiday a good experience. Anne Williams.

Date of experience : 15 May 2023

Benidorm 2024…

Have only recently come back from Edwards first trip to Benidorm. The journey down very comfortable and hotels on route great. Could not fault the Helios, food and service very good. Drivers Richard & Chris amazing. Roll on next year.

Fantastic Trip & Excellent Value!

Fantastic Birmingham trip for the Christmas markets! Excellent value for money and perfect location of hotel. Couldn’t have asked for a better weekend trip. Great driver (Richard) was so friendly and ensured everyone was happy and safe. Would recommend to anyone looking for a nice weekend away. Will be booking again! :)

Date of experience : 12 November 2022

Terrible customer service

My daughter recently lost her Teddy bear on a school trip and was distraught. The guy who answered the phone was rude, disinterested and gave no reassurance he even cared. He told me to call back a few days later. He was equally surly and continued a conversation with his colleague as he told him he had "some woman on the phone about a lost teddy". Absolutely appalling

Date of experience : 26 May 2022

Maastricht.

Just returned from Maastricht. Very poor Hotel (Best Western Havre) they didn`t have enough Staff to cope with the 2Bus loads of people. Breakfast was an utter shambles (shortage of Cutlery food etc) The Quality of food for the evening meal was very poor especially on the first night. Didn`t have any free time in Maastricht as the itinerary stated

Date of experience : 06 July 2023

G EORGE EDWARDS & SON Ltd

George edwards & son ltd, coaches for holiday tours, excursions and private hire  .

George Edwards & Son have been providing passenger transport for 101 Years. 

We are immensely proud of this fact, t o serve our locality for over 100 years has been a privilege.

We could not have achieved this length of service without our hard working staff and the steadfast support of our loyal customers.

Thank you to you all! 

We hope all our customers, old and new, will enjoy our selection of day trips for 2024.

Tel: 01978 757281 to make your reservation today.    Lines open Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 2:30pm

Day trips 2024.

Pick up times

Day Tours for March 2024

We have 3 day tours planned for March

Day Tours for April 2024

We have 9 day tours planned for April

Day Tours for May 2024

We have 9 day tours planned for May

Day Tours for June 2024

We have 5 day tours planned for June

Day Tours for July 2024

We have 5 day tours planned for July

Day Tours for August 2024

We have 16 day tours planned for August

Day Tours for September 2024

Details of day tours for September coming soon.

Day Tours for October 2024

Details of day tours for October coming soon.

Day Tours for November 2024

Details of day tours for November coming soon.

Day Tours for December 2024

Details of day tours for December coming soon.

Back to top

NB: WE WILL BE PUBLISHING A LIST OF TOURS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR SHORTLY.

Day tour pick up times

These morning pick up times are for guidance only and could be subject to alteration.  Your pick-up time will be confirmed when your booking is taken.

Times in category X will be confirmed on booking

NB: For Bury Market departures marked with a * we are now able to offer, in addition to our usual pickups, pickups in LLANGOLLEN, RUABON, & JOHNSTOWN - please ask for details

North-bound day tours - pick-ups also available in Gresford and Rossett .  Times confirmed on booking.

North-bound day tours - pick-ups also available in Johnstown and Ruabon .  Times confirmed on booking.

• Reschedule Your Trip
• Spokane Airport Express

Vacation Express

• Sun Valley Express
• 16 – 24 Passenger Mini Coach
• 40 Passenger Mid-Size Coach
• 56 Passenger Motorcoach
• Accessibility
• Eco-Friendly
• About the Starline Collection
• Driving Jobs
• Non-Driving Jobs
• Request A Quote

Vacation Break Service from WSU and U of I Thanksgiving ★ Winter ★ Spring

Ride our Vacation Express! The Vacation Express departs Washington State University, the University of Idaho, and Central Washington University at the beginning of Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks to Arlington, Bellevue, Biggs Junction, Ellensburg, Kennewick, Mountlake Terrace, Portland, and Tacoma. The Vacation Express then returns on the Sunday at the end of the breaks from the above locations. Please note that Portland, Biggs Junction, Arlington, Mountlake Terrace, and Kennewick are only serviced from Washington State University and the University of Idaho.

Renton station will no longer be available after the Winter Break.

Thanksgiving 2024.

Departures:

Winter 2024/25

Spring break 2024.

• Friday, March 8, 2024*
• Saturday, March 9, 2024
• Saturday, March 16, 2024*
• Sunday, March 17, 2024

* Only Bellevue, Ellensburg, and Tacoma operate this day.

• Moscow/Pullman to Portland, Mountlake Terrace, Smokey Point, or Tacoma $94
• Moscow/Pullman to Bellevue $89
• Moscow/Pullman to Biggs Junction $84
• Moscow/Pullman to Ellensburg or Kennewick $64
• Ellensburg to Tacoma $39
• Ellensburg to Bellevue $34
• Kennewick to Portland $39

Fares listed are one-way fares

• A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) can be found at https://express.starlinecollection.com/faq
• Follow us on Facebook on day of departure for up to date information at https://www.facebook.com/TheStarlineCollection
• If you have any questions or to cancel, please feel free to email [email protected] . If you cannot book for the date and time that you’d like, the trip is sold out.

Fri, March 8, 2024

Bellevue ★ ellensburg – wave 1.

U of I LLC Bus stop at 6th & Line, just south of U of I LLC.

Arrives: 4:10 PM Departs: 4:20 PM

Pullman, WA

WSU Flag Lane WSU Flag Lane

Arrives: 4:40 PM Departs: 5:00 PM

Ellensburg, WA

Starbucks (E 10th Ave) Just north of Starbucks at the bus stop on E 10th.

Arrives: 8:45 PM Departs: 9:00 PM

Bellevue, WA

Factoria Square Mall Northwest corner by Novilhos Brazilian Steakhouse

Arrives: 10:45 PM Departs: –

Bellevue ★ Ellensburg – Wave 2

Arrives: 4:40 PM Departs: 4:50 PM

Arrives: 5:10 PM Departs: 5:30 PM

Arrives: 9:15 PM Departs: 9:30 PM

Arrives: 11:15 PM Departs: –

Tacoma – Wave 1

Arrives: 3:40 PM Departs: 3:50 PM

Arrives: 4:10 PM Departs: 4:30 PM

Foss High School West side of school on Clay Huntington Way

Arrives: 10:30 PM Departs: –

Sat, March 9, 2024

Arrives: 9:40 AM Departs: 9:50 AM

Arrives: 10:10 AM Departs: 10:30 AM

Arrives: 2:15 PM Departs: 2:30 PM

Arrives: 4:15 PM Departs: –

Arrives: 8:40 AM Departs: 8:50 AM

Arrives: 9:10 AM Departs: 9:30 AM

Arrives: 3:30 PM Departs: –

Arlington ★ Mountlake Terrace

Arrives: 8:10 AM Departs: 8:20 AM

Arrives: 8:40 AM Departs: 9:00 AM

Mountlake Terrace, WA

Mountlake Terrace Elementary Bus turn around drop-off area

Arrives: 3:15 PM Departs: 3:30 PM

Arlington, WA

Walmart Supercenter Southeast corner of Walmart parking lot

Portland ★ Biggs Junction ★ Kennewick

Arrives: 7:40 AM Departs: 7:50 AM

Arrives: 8:10 AM Departs: 8:30 AM

Kennewick, WA

Fred Meyer Southwest corner of the parking lot

Arrives: 11:00 AM Departs: 11:15 AM

Biggs Junction, OR

EZ Trip Travel Center North side next to Frontage Road

Arrives: 1:00 PM Departs: 1:15 PM

Portland, OR

Lincoln High School Bus stop area on SW Salmon St

Arrives: 3:00 PM Departs: –

Reservations Required

Sat, march 16, 2024, tacoma ★ bellevue ★ ellensburg – wave 1.

Arrives: 10:00 AM Departs: 10:20 AM

Arrives: 12:05 PM Departs: 12:20 PM

Arrives: 4:05 PM Departs: 4:20 PM

Arrives: 4:40 PM Departs: –

Sun, March 17, 2024

Arrives: 9:45 AM Departs: 10:05 AM

Arrives: 4:35 PM Departs: 4:50 PM

Arrives: 5:10 PM Departs: –

Arrives: 10:45 AM Departs: 11:00 AM

Arrives: 12:45 PM Departs: 1:00 PM

Arrives: 3:30 PM Departs: 3:50 PM

Arrives: 4:10 PM Departs: –

* CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF BUS STATION PICKUP/DROPOFF SITES *

Cancellations, refunds, and no-shows.

Tickets are non-refundable. Cancellations and rescheduling must be made 24 hours in advance of date of travel.  Failure to cancel without at least 24 hours notice or no-shows will result in a $25.00 fee.

Masks are currently not required to travel at this time. If masks are mandated at the Federal or State level, then we will have to require that you wear them.

We ask that you not travel while sick. Riding with the Starline Collection means you may be subject to a temperature reading, and if a fever is detected or if you are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, you will be denied entry on to the bus. Please obey the driver if they ask you to move from a seat that must remain empty. Seats that must remain empty will be flagged as such.

These precautions are to keep you and our drivers safe. These rules are subject to change based on Washington State phase levels.

Departure and arrival times are approximate and may be affected by construction, traffic, weather, acts of nature, pass or road closures, and other unforeseen events.

Wars in Gaza and Ukraine, and threat of terrorism, loom over Paris Olympics this summer

This summer’s Paris Olympics were envisioned as a return to five-ringed normalcy after the Tokyo Games, which were postponed a year by the global pandemic and held amid extensive COVID precautions in venues without spectators.

“We are longing for something that gives us hope,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said last month when the Olympic flame was kindled in Greece, observing that these Games would be “an unforgettable celebration of human excellence, a celebration of our humanity.”

Yet the XXXIIIrd edition that begins July 26 will be held amid two raging wars in Ukraine and Gaza and fears that terrorists will disrupt the Games.

Advertisement

The host city elevated its terror threat to maximum two months ago. And the opening ceremony, which will feature more than 10,000 athletes floating in boats along the Seine instead of marching into the Stade de France, will be conducted amid the heaviest security in Games history .

The number of spectators for the event has been reduced from 600,000 to 320,000, and more than 45,000 police will stand guard in the city and its environs.

“From the outset, all plans were built assuming that there would be a terrorist threat,” said Bruno Le Ray, the organizing committee’s head of security.

The IOC has barred Russia and Belarus from the Games for attacking Ukraine. And recently there have been demands from Palestinian supporters to exclude Israel for killing more than 35,000 Gazans in retaliation for the October attack by Hamas terrorists, who killed 1,200 Israeli citizens and took 250 hostages.

Several hundred demonstrators waving Palestinian flags outside the Paris organizing committee headquarters last month called for Israel’s athletes to be subjected to the same restrictions as the Russians and Belarusians.

The difference, as both the IOC and the French government see it, is that Israel did not instigate the war against Hamas.

“We cannot say that Israel is attacking,” French President Emmanuel Macron said. “Israel was a victim of a terrorist attack to which it is now responding to in Gaza.”

Israel was the target of the only terrorist assault in Olympic history in 1972 in Munich when Black September, a Palestinian militant group, invaded the residential village and eventually killed 11 athletes and coaches.

With the war in Gaza ongoing, the Israeli Security Agency is worried about the safety of the country’s athletes before and during these Olympics. This month, the wrestlers were kept home from the last-chance qualifying tournament in Istanbul after Turkey suspended trade with Israel.

“I’m disappointed, but I knew that this was going to be the decision,” said Ilana Kratysh, who hoped that she and her teammates would be granted automatic entry to the Olympic field.

Israel is expected to send more than 60 athletes to Paris, and Palestine between six and eight. The IOC, which since 1995 has recognized the Palestinians as a competing entity, is supporting their plan to rebuild damaged sports facilities.

Ukraine announced this week that it will send a team to the Games.

“It is already a victory that we are able to take part under conditions of invasion,” said Vadym Gutzeit, president of the country’s Olympic committee. “The athletes have prepared for the Games under rockets and bombs.”

Bans and boycotts

Banning countries from the Games for instigating wars is nothing new. Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, and the remnants of the Ottoman Empire were kept out of the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp following World War I, and Germany also was not invited to Paris in 1924. And the Germans and Japanese were barred from London in 1948 in the wake of World War II.

Politically inspired boycotts later disrupted three consecutive Games. Nearly 30 African nations withdrew from Montreal in 1976 to protest New Zealand’s rugby tour of South Africa, a country that was excluded from the Olympics from 1964 until 1992 for its racist apartheid policy.

After the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, the US led a 66-country boycott of the Moscow Games in 1980. Four years later, the USSR led a counter-boycott of the Los Angeles Games by more than a dozen Eastern European countries.

Since then, the Olympics have had nearly universal participation by the movement’s 206 nations. But Russia’s unprovoked invasion of its neighbor two years ago has made it a pariah along with ally Belarus, and both were banned from Paris for violating the Olympic Charter.

The IOC is keeping out any Russian and Belarusian athletes who are connected to the country’s military forces or security agencies or who have actively supported the war.

Russia’s foreign ministry, which accused the IOC of “slipping into racism and neo-Nazism,” has condemned the restrictions as “unscrupulous, illegal, unlawful, and immoral steps.”

A special Olympic eligibility review panel will vet athletes who apply to compete as neutrals. They’ll be forbidden to wear their national colors and will have neither their flag hoisted nor their anthem performed at medal ceremonies.

Russia was sanctioned at the last two Games for its brazen breaking of anti-doping rules. In 2016, more than 100 of its athletes were ruled out of the Rio de Janeiro event.

Three years ago in Tokyo, the Russians were forbidden to use their country’s symbols. But their 335 athletes still were allowed to compete representing their national Olympic committee and won 71 medals, 20 of them gold.

This time, the IOC estimates that only 36-54 individual Russians will qualify for the Games, most of them in judo, wrestling, and tennis. That would be roughly a tenth the number who competed in Tokyo and the smallest Russian delegation since 1912.

The absolute prohibition on Russian teams will reduce significantly the country’s presence in Paris. The Russians last time competed in five team sports, winning medals in men’s and women’s 3x3 basketball, men’s volleyball, and women’s handball.

In individual sports, Russian athletes either have been forbidden to compete by international federations, most notably World Athletics, or have dwindling windows during which to qualify.

Difficult choices to make

Athletes who do decide to compete as neutrals risk being seen as traitors during wartime.

“Choice without choice,” said Evgeniia Chikunova, the breaststroke world record-holder who swam in three events in Tokyo but said that she will not go to Paris. “I think they [IOC] understand that a small number of people will do this.”

One of them is Daniil Medvedev, the former US Open tennis champion who competed in Tokyo and called it “an amazing experience.”

“If I can, I’m going to be there,” he said. “About the neutral flag, I’ll follow the rules.”

While Russia says that its athletes are free to compete at the Games, they will not be supported financially by their government.

“We strongly recommend that you thoroughly understand … the extent and consequences of the personal responsibility assumed,” said ROC president Stanislav Pozdnyakov, who warned athletes not to be “hostages of other people’s interests.”

Belarus, a former Soviet republic that made its first independent appearance in the Summer Olympics in 1996, isn’t discouraging its athletes, expected to number two dozen, from participating as neutrals.

“Of course I would like to have an anthem, a flag, etc.,” Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said. “But I understand the athletes. This is their life.”

Those who do compete can expect a decidedly chilly reception. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has said that the Russians and Belarusians will not be welcome.

And the Ukrainian Olympic committee has told its athletes to “refrain from direct contacts with representatives of the aggressor countries,” including communicating with them on social media.

Lukashenko, whose country has provided Russia with military equipment and staging and training areas on its soil, has urged that its athletes respond defiantly.

“Punch them in the face,” he said. “Show them that you are a real Belarusian.”

Russia already is planning to revive its World Friendship Games, last held in 1984, in mid-September in Moscow and Yekaterinburg. Meanwhile, it has been taking steps to sabotage the Paris Olympics.

The French government claimed that Russia for weeks has been spreading disinformation on social media about the Paris preparations.

“Every day [Russia] is putting out stories saying that we are unable to do this or that,” Macron said.

Paris was this year’s site both by acclamation and default. After the withdrawal of the other five candidates — Boston, Hamburg, Budapest, Rome, and Los Angeles — the IOC decided to award both the 2024 and 2028 editions at the same time in 2017.

“We can’t accept ‘28,” said Tony Estanguet, the Paris bid cochairman. “It’s now or never.”

The City of Light wanted to stage this summer’s Games to mark the 100th anniversary of its hosting in 1924. The world was more peaceful that year, in between world wars, and the Great Depression was five years off.

“We have no doubt whatsoever that it will be plain sailing all the way to the end,” Estanguet said with 100 days to go until the opening ceremony. “And that there will undoubtedly still be new challenges to face.”

John Powers can be reached at [email protected] .