The International Olympic Committee has approved the participation of select individual athletes from Russia and Belarus as neutral competitors in the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics set for February. This decision mirrors the criteria applied during the Paris Summer Olympics in 2024, where a panel evaluated qualified individual athletes from the two countries. In Paris, 32 athletes from Russia and Belarus across 10 sports were granted permission to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN).
Notably, teams comprising Russian or Belarusian athletes will not be permitted to enter the competition. IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized the continuity of the process from Paris, prioritizing fairness and compliance. Eligibility conditions entail refraining from endorsing Russia’s actions in Ukraine and undergoing scrutiny for affiliations with military or national security entities. Successful applicants will compete under the Individual Neutral Athlete banner and will not have their national anthems played in case of medal victories.
Recent announcements by the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation and the International Luge Federation have confirmed the exclusion of Russian athletes from participating as neutral competitors at the 2026 Games. The IOC’s statement, issued concurrently with the approval for individual athletes, expressed concerns about global conflicts affecting sports events and emphasized the importance of maintaining political neutrality in sports.
The IOC has formed a dedicated working group to uphold the organization’s commitment to political neutrality and the unifying nature of sports amid ongoing global challenges. Additionally, plans for the upcoming L.A. Olympics in 2028 include the introduction of additional weightlifting bodyweight categories to promote athlete well-being and align with international standards.
As preparations continue for the Milan-Cortina Games, concerns persist regarding the construction timelines of key venues, such as the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. While progress has been noted, organizers acknowledge the tight schedules and the need for meticulous monitoring to ensure timely completion. The IOC’s visit to the site highlighted the critical importance of meeting deadlines to ensure the successful hosting of the upcoming Winter Olympics.