Russian Skiers Barred from 2026 Winter Olympics

They will not be allowed to compete even as ‘neutrals’ without flags, anthems or other symbols of their nationality.

In a two-paragraph FIS statement the organization’s council says it has voted “not to facilitate the participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus as Individual Neutral Athletes in FIS qualification events” for the next Winter Games.

The International Olympic Committee recently announced an extension of the policy that allowed 32 Russians and Belarusians to compete in the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.

However it is the international sports federations that have the final say.

It follows the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022.

• Ukraine calls on Russia Olympic ban to remain
• Former Russian speed skater takes Polish citizenship
• FIS bans Russian athletes from all competitions
• FIS suggests Russian athletes may return to competition this season
• IOC President  re-iterates criticism of Russian invasion of Ukraine

Olympic Rings.

Skiing and snowboarding events make up nearly half the medals to be awarded at the Milan-Cortina Olympics that take place in February 2026..

Russia says it may challenge the FIS decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport

“The Sports Ministry and the Olympic Committee of Russia are preparing appeals against this decision of the FIS Council jointly with our ski federations,” said the Russian Sports Minister and Russian Olympic Committee boss, Mikhail Degtyaryov.

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