Overview
- On Oct. 21, the FIS Council voted not to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus to enter FIS Olympic and Paralympic qualification events as Individual Neutral Athletes for Milano‑Cortina 2026.
- The decision effectively rules out Russian and Belarusian skiers and snowboarders from most Olympic ski and snowboard events, with FIS governing nearly half of the Games’ medals.
- The IPC said on Oct. 23 that no Russian or Belarusian athletes will take part in the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, even as neutrals, following consultation with international federations.
- Several other winter federations, including those for biathlon, curling, bobsled and skeleton, hockey and luge, have also kept Russians and Belarusians out of qualification events, while skating and ski mountaineering allow limited neutral entries.
- Russian media report the Russian Ski Association may challenge the FIS ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.