Russian & Belarus Athletes Set to Compete at Winter Olympics

The decision allows the participation of all athletes and support personnel of Russian and Belarusian sporting nationality in qualification events for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, as well as in the Games themselves.

They would participate as International Neutral Athletes.

Russian and Belarus athletes have banned after Russia  invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Belarus backed Russia the war against their neighbouring nation.

The International Ski & Snowboard Federation has firmly opposed such a move, but has  acknowledged the CAS decision.

FIS runs almost half of the Winter Games events with 57 out of 116 gold medal events.

The FIS Individual Neutral Athlete Policy elaborates on the conditions and the process for athletes and support personnel from Russia and Belarus to take part in FIS events.

Athletes may only participate in competitions in the FIS Calendar in an individual and neutral capacity.

This means that they cannot participate in competitions which are based on a classification by teams.

Support personnel must meet the same eligibility criteria as athletes.

Only persons holding a high-level medical or technical function which is essential to the participation of Individual Neutral Athletes may be granted accreditation.

Participation in competitions as AIN is conditional on strict neutrality towards the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

This requirement is outlined in the following points:

• No voluntary link with the Russian or Belarusian military or with any other national security agency.
• No communication associated with Russia or Belarus.
• No support for the war in Ukraine.

Image c/o Milan-Cortina 2026

Athletes must comply with all anti-doping requirements applicable to them, in particular those set out in the FIS Anti-Doping Rules.

During the period of ineligibility of Russian and Belarusian athletes, the FIS Anti-Doping activities continued and remained operational.

Applications will be reviewed by a FIS Individual Neutral Athlete Eligibility Review Panel (FIS AINERP) composed as follows:

• FIS Secretary General
• An independent sports integrity expert
• A representative of the FIS administration presenting the report of the external due diligence report and anti-doping status.

FIS will publish on its website the list of athletes to whom the status of Individual Neutral Athlete has been granted.

As per the decision made by the FIS Council, the FIS points obtained by athletes of Russian and Belarusian sporting nationality shall remain protected until June 2026.

It is expected Russia will try to send no more than 20 athletes.

“That is the maximum number we can hope to send under the present conditions,” said the Russia Sports Ministry.

“Nevertheless, we will be represented.

“We must broadcast, watch, and support our team.

“Every victory will be worth its weight in gold, particularly under such difficult circumstances.”

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will take place from 6th to 22nd February 2026, followed by the Paralympic Winter Games from 6th to 15th March 2026. 

Related Articles:

• Russian skiers barred from 2026 Winter Olympics
• Ukraine calls for Russia Olympic ban to remain
• Italy wants Russian & Ukrainian athletes at 2026 Winter Olympics

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