Global sports federation guiding the Olympic Movement
The International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted the Russian Olympic Committee’s suspension, granting equal access to Russian athletes for LA28 qualifiers while reserving the right to decide on flags, anthems and broader participation. The move aims to re-integrate Russian athletes but keeps tight monitoring over ROС activities in occupied Ukrainian territories.
World Boxing has approved an Individual Neutral Athletes framework for Russian and Belarusian boxers, banning national flags, symbols and anthems and subjecting entrants to vetting; the policy applies across age groups and will take immediate effect.
The IOC has allowed Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flag and anthem, while maintaining concerns about Russia after allegations involving Russia’s anti-doping chief Veronika Loginova trigger a WADA probe. The World Anti-Doping Agency has said it is reviewing the latest claims and will act if verified. Russia’s sports ministry says the ROC remains suspended and demands clear timelines for reinstatement.
The IOC is coordinating a taskforce to smooth travel for athletes ahead of LA 2028, saying collaboration and learning will help overcome World Cup-related visa and entry issues. A dedicated office is engaging with US authorities as concerns over visas and access persist, while the executive board approves new sports and sets a cautious path for the 2030 Winter Games.
Scotland prepares for Glasgow 2026 with a slimmed-down Games after Australia withdraws. Athletes reflect on saving the brand, the arch mural by Sir Chris Hoy, and the promise of home crowds. The Games run July 23–August 2, with Team Scotland aiming for strong performances across judo, track and field, and cycling.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has formed a Lake Placid–New York City exploratory committee to assess a potential 2042 Winter Games, using existing venues and a multi-city model similar to Milano-C Cortina. The panel, chaired by Ashley Walden, will evaluate logistics, finances, and community engagement over roughly a year, though officials stress no bid has been launched yet.
The IOC has reset the timetable for future Olympic bids under president Kirsty Coventry, signaling a return to competitive shortlists after Los Angeles (2028) and Brisbane (2032) were chosen years in advance. Paris (2024) was selected seven years ahead, shaping a new cadence for bidding, with a potential eight bidders in the mix and a late-2028 targeted dialogue phase.
The International Skating Union has lifted its February 2022 ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete under neutral status without national symbols. Visa challenges remain for some while Milan-Cortina 2026 set precedents; Finland, South Korea and China host next championships. IOC guidance is cited, with safety and competition integrity cited as reasons.
Parliament has urged the IOC to recognize Greenland and the Faroe Islands as independent National Olympic Committees, enabling participation under their own flags. Copenhagen’s move follows a new Danish coalition government and comes amid a debate over the IOC’s independence criteria and geopolitical sensitivities.