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IOC Keeps Neutral-Athlete Path for Russians and Belarusians at 2026 Winter Olympics

The policy replicates Paris 2024 with strict vetting that excludes athletes linked to the military or public support for the war.

Overview

  • Team entries remain barred for Russia and Belarus, and no flags, anthems or national colors will be permitted.
  • Final eligibility and delegation size rest with international federations, with several bodies such as FIS, IBU and FIL maintaining bans while the ISU offers limited qualifying routes.
  • Approved competitors will be designated AIN, will not take part in the Opening Ceremony, and any medals will not count toward the official table.
  • The Russian Olympic Committee remains suspended for incorporating sports bodies in occupied Ukrainian regions in violation of the Olympic Charter.
  • IOC officials said they will work with federations on remaining qualification pathways and stressed athlete and fan safety as Milan-Cortina approaches.