Neutral Athletes: Navigating Sanctions at Milano-Cortina 2026

The International Olympic Committee has announced that Russian athletes will participate as neutrals, foregoing national flags or anthems, at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games. This decision mirrors the sanctions imposed during last year's Paris Summer Games, maintaining the IOC's stance amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

In October 2023, the IOC suspended the Russian Olympic Committee for recognizing regional councils in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, citing violations of the Olympic Charter. IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized the organization's consistent approach, stating, "This will be nothing new."

Russian and Belarusian athletes must undergo rigorous vetting for ties to military activities, with those found linked to the conflict in Ukraine barred from competing. Some athletes, following stringent checks, were able to compete without national symbols as Independent Neutral Athletes in Paris 2024.

(With inputs from agencies.)