The International Olympic Committee (IOC) laid to rest any remaining confusion over the status of Russian and Belarusian athletes Friday, announcing that individual athletes would be allowed to compete at the 2026 Olympics in Italy, though once again not under the banners of their home countries.
In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which resulted in attempts to incorporate athletic assets in occupied areas, the IOC prohibited competitors from Russia and Belarus from participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics, except under specific guidelines.
Individual athletes were able to compete under the designation of “Individual Neutral Athletes” (AIN) after qualifying through standard qualification systems of the International Federations, but teams of athletes were banned.
That was in keeping with policy established within various other international sports bodies, such as most international soccer and tennis tournaments.
For the upcoming games to be held in the cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, athletes who supported the war or were members of the military will not be allowed to compete.
Continuing practice from the previous Olympics, AINs have a generic flag and anthem for medal ceremonies and won’t be allowed to participate in the parade of countries during the Opening Ceremony (though they will be allowed to attend).
Thirty-two athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport competed across 10 sports in the 2024 Games, with no controversy attached to any of the competitors.
–Field Level Media
