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Russian Athletes to Compete as Neutral in 2026 Olympics

2/4/2026

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Russian Athletes Compete

For the 2026 Olympics in Italy, Russian athletes will participate as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) due to sanctions related to the war in Ukraine.
Thirteen Russian athletes are set to compete in seven events under the AIN designation.
The International Olympic Committee has barred athletes from Russia and Belarus from competing under their flags or anthems.
Kamila Valieva, a prominent figure skater who returned after a doping ban, is ineligible for the upcoming Olympics.

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Coventry Advocates Neutrality

The International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry said Russia may return for the 2028 Los Angeles Games and sport should stay neutral.
Her stance follows FIFA president Gianni Infantino's call for Russia's reinstatement in international football.
Ukrainian sports minister Matvii Bidnyi criticized Infantino's comments as irresponsible, citing the impact of Russia's aggression on young athletes.
Russian athletes will compete as neutrals in the 2026 Olympics, with 13 participants confirmed.

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Russian Athletes Compete

For the 2026 Olympics in Italy, Russian athletes will participate as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) due to sanctions related to the war in Ukraine.
Thirteen Russian athletes are set to compete in seven events under the AIN designation.
The International Olympic Committee has barred athletes from Russia and Belarus from competing under their flags or anthems.
Kamila Valieva, a prominent figure skater who returned after a doping ban, is ineligible for the upcoming Olympics.

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