IOC Approves 22 North Korean Athletes To Compete In Pyeongchang

A Korean unity deal for the Pyeongchang Games was formally approved yesterday, allowing 22 North Korean athletes to "cross the border with South Korea to compete and march together under a unification flag" at the Opening Ceremony. Twelve North Korean women's hockey players will "join their neighbors in a united roster playing in special uniforms with a Korean song as their anthem." North Koreans also will "compete in figure skating, short track speed skating, Alpine skiing and cross-country skiing after being given exceptional late entries" by the IOC (AP, 1/20). The IOC will "give credentials to 22 athletes, 24 officials and 21 media representatives" from North Korea (USATODAY.com, 1/20).