Russian athletes will not be allowed to represent their country at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, even if a peace agreement is reached regarding the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This decision was confirmed by Kirsty Coventry, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera on February 3, 2024. The Winter Games are scheduled to take place from February 6 to 22, 2026.
Coventry stated, “At this stage, nothing would change the Committee’s decision,” emphasizing that the IOC will maintain the sanctions put in place following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The IOC’s stance reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions and the complexities surrounding international sports diplomacy.
Individual Neutral Athletes Only
As a result of the ban, athletes holding Belarusian or Russian passports will only be able to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs). This designation means they cannot represent their countries with national flags, anthems, or uniforms. Furthermore, they will not be permitted to participate in team events or the opening ceremony.
The IOC has indicated that the decision regarding AINs’ involvement in the closing ceremonies will be made during the Games, noting that, “it is not teams that take part in the Closing Ceremony, but all the athletes jointly together.” AINs will have their own flag and anthem, which notably lacks lyrics. The AIN flag will be displayed, and the anthem will be played during victory ceremonies.
In a related note, during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, 32 athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports participated across ten sports without incident. However, the IOC reiterated that athletes who actively support the war will be ineligible to compete. Those contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies will also face exclusion.
Prospects for Peace
The IOC’s decision comes amid ongoing discussions regarding a potential peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that a US-backed peace agreement is “90% ready.” He highlighted that Russia’s stringent demands and unwillingness to make significant concessions remain the primary obstacles to finalizing the deal.
As the Winter Olympics approach, the implications of the IOC’s ban on Russian athletes extend beyond the sporting arena. The decisions made in the lead-up to the Games will likely influence international relations and perceptions of Russia’s role in global sports.
The IOC has opened channels for communication with Russian Olympic Committees, but it remains to be seen how these discussions will evolve amid the broader context of international diplomacy. The upcoming Winter Games will serve as a critical juncture in the intersection of sports, politics, and national identity.
