Russian Athletes Compete as Individual Neutral Athletes at Milan-Cortina Olympics

For the second consecutive Olympic Games, Russian athletes will not compete under their national flag due to ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has designated these athletes as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, following a similar exclusion during the Paris 2024 Games. This decision reflects the IOC's stance against the involvement of Russia and Belarus in international sports amid the war, which has seen Belarus providing support to Russia.

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Since 2016, Russia has faced various restrictions in Olympic participation due to a state-sponsored doping scandal. Athletes previously competed under different titles, such as the "Olympic Athletes from Russia" (OAR) in 2018 and the "Russian Olympic Committee" (ROC) in subsequent Games. The shift to AIN status for the 2026 Olympics marks another chapter in this ongoing saga, as athletes must now prove they are not actively supporting the war in Ukraine to gain eligibility.

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At the Milan-Cortina Olympics, 13 Russian athletes are set to compete across seven events, including Alpine skiing, figure skating, and speed skating. Notably, the figure skating team, historically a stronghold for Russia, will feature only two athletes: Petr Gumennik and Adeliia Petrosian, both of whom are considered potential medal contenders. This is a significant reduction from the more than 200 athletes Russia had at the previous Winter Olympics in Beijing, where the ROC secured 32 medals.

What to know about Russia's competing status at the Milan Cortina Olympics

IOC President Kirsty Coventry has indicated a desire to separate athletes from their governments' actions, suggesting that all athletes should have the opportunity to compete. Her comments have sparked debate, particularly among Ukrainian officials who oppose any reinstatement of Russian athletes in international competitions. Ukrainian Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino's similar remarks, emphasizing the human cost of the conflict and the moral implications of allowing Russia back into sports.

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The prospect of Russia's return to the Olympic stage has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Ukrainian officials. Bidnyi labeled Infantino's comments as "irresponsible" and "infantile," highlighting the ongoing violence in Ukraine and its impact on young athletes. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned any moves to lift bans on Russian participation, linking them to the broader context of the war and its casualties.

IOC president gives clearest signal so far that Russia could be at 2028 Olympics

While the IOC has not set a definitive timeline for Russia's return to full Olympic participation, Coventry's remarks have led to speculation about the country's potential reinstatement for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The situation remains fluid, with strong opposition from Ukraine and other nations likely to influence future decisions regarding Russian athletes in international sports.

Russian athletes to compete at the Milan Cortina Olympic Games, but not for Russia

• “While not referencing Russia directly, Coventry said: “Throughout the campaign and in many of our conversations since, I have heard the same message from many of you.” — Kirsty Coventry, IOC President

IOC president gives clearest signal so far that Russia could be at 2028 Olympics

• “It is Russia that politicises sport and uses it to justify aggression.” — Matvii Bidnyi, Ukrainian Sports Minister

IOC president gives clearest signal so far that Russia could be at 2028 Olympics

• “It was emphasised in her speech that the political component shouldn’t play a role,” — Shamil Tarpischev, Russian IOC Member

IOC president gives clearest signal so far that Russia could be at 2028 Olympics

The Milan-Cortina Olympics will thus serve as a critical juncture in the ongoing discourse surrounding sports, politics, and international relations, particularly as the world watches how the situation evolves in the coming years.

Russia could RETURN to the Olympics: Games chiefs hint country banned since invasion of Ukraine may soon be allowed back