What's happened
The IOC confirmed it will allow Russian athletes to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, following the same policy used at Paris 2024. The decision excludes Russian teams and athletes with military ties or support for Ukraine's invasion. No discussion of banning Israeli athletes occurred. Security concerns remain high.
What's behind the headline?
The IOC's decision to permit Russian athletes as neutrals in 2026 reflects a strategic balance between political neutrality and sporting inclusion. By maintaining the Paris policy, the IOC aims to avoid diplomatic fallout and potential boycotts, especially given Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, the federation votes, such as the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation's rejection of Russian participation, highlight ongoing divisions within the sporting community. The decision not to discuss excluding Israeli athletes underscores the IOC's focus on security and neutrality, despite geopolitical tensions. This approach will likely lead to continued debates over fairness and the integrity of international competition, with some federations pushing for stricter sanctions. The outcome will shape the IOC's stance on political conflicts and athlete participation in future Games, emphasizing a cautious but inclusive strategy.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the IOC will follow the Paris 2024 model, allowing Russian athletes to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes, without their national flags or symbols. AP News confirms the IOC's stance and highlights the ongoing vetting process for athletes with links to military or support for Ukraine. Al Jazeera details Russia's suspension in 2023 due to regional Olympic council recognition in Ukrainian-occupied territories, and the vetting process for individual athletes. The Moscow Times and AP News discuss the rejection of Russian participation by the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation, emphasizing the challenges Russian athletes face in qualifying and competing. The AP also notes that track and field's strict stance contrasts with other sports' more lenient policies, reflecting broader disagreements within the Olympic movement.
How we got here
Russia's suspension from the IOC in 2023 followed its recognition of regional Olympic councils in occupied Ukrainian territories, violating the Olympic Charter. Despite bans on team sports, some individual Russian athletes competed as neutral athletes in Paris 2024 after vetting. The decision to allow Russian athletes at Milan-Cortina aligns with previous policies, but federations' acceptance varies. The IOC has consistently avoided excluding Israeli athletes, emphasizing safety and neutrality amid geopolitical tensions.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Is Russia Banned from the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Russia's exclusion from the 2026 Winter Olympics has sparked many questions. Why are Russian athletes not allowed to compete? How do doping scandals and geopolitical tensions influence this decision? In this page, we explore the reasons behind the ban, what it means for Russian sports, and what the future holds for Russia in international competitions.
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