Russian athletes will not perform under the national flag at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, even if the war in Ukraine ends by then. This decision was confirmed by the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry.
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After the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, athletes from Russia and Belarus were excluded from many international sports competitions. The IOC allowed them to participate in the Games, but on condition that they started in neutral colors and after meeting certain criteria, including acceptance by world sports associations.
“At this stage, nothing will change the IOC's decision to allow Russian athletes to compete in the February Games only as individuals representing themselves.” — Coventry said in an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, published on Friday.
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Neutral colors despite talks about peace
Despite ongoing negotiations regarding a potential peace treaty between Russia and Ukraine, the IOC remains adamant in its position. Coventry stressed that even in the event of a truce, Russian athletes would still compete under a neutral flag. This decision is aimed at maintaining sports sanctions against Russia, which were imposed after the aggression against Ukraine.
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A new way of organizing the games. It is to reduce costs
Coventry, who is the first woman to serve as IOC president and is from Zimbabwe, also noted that the games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo could become a model for future editions. Organizing competitions in several cities, as is the case in Italy, will become the “new normal”, according to her. One of the assumptions is to shift the costs to several places.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held from February 6-22.
