Neutral Athletes Compete at 2026 Olympics Amid Russian Ban

IOC allows some Russian and Belarussian athletes to compete as "Individual Neutral Athletes" under strict conditions.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 1:07pm

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The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina will feature a contingent of 20 athletes with Russian and Belarussian passports competing as "Individual Neutral Athletes" (AINs) after their countries were banned from the Games due to the invasion of Ukraine. The AIN athletes must meet specific criteria set by the IOC, including no public support for the war or ties to it. They will not be allowed to participate in the Opening Ceremony and will have a wordless anthem played if they win gold. The decision on which sports to allow Russian athletes in has been left to the individual international federations, leading to a mix of opportunities and bans.

Why it matters

The decision to allow some Russian and Belarussian athletes to compete as neutrals is controversial, with Ukraine and its supporters arguing that no Russian athletes should be allowed to participate. It highlights the complex issues surrounding the participation of athletes from countries engaged in conflict and the IOC's attempts to balance fairness, politics, and the Olympic spirit.

The details

The IOC announced that 13 Russians and 7 Belarussians will compete as AINs at the 2026 Olympics if they meet the criteria, which includes no public support for the war or ties to it. Athletes from team sports are not eligible. The decision on which sports to allow Russian athletes in has been left to the individual international federations, leading to a mix of opportunities and bans. For example, the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation did not offer Russians a chance to qualify as neutrals, while the International Skating Union and International Ski Mountaineering Federation did.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from February 6-22, 2026 in Milano Cortina, Italy.
  • The IOC announced the AIN program for the 2026 Olympics on January 29, 2026.

The players

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

The international organization responsible for overseeing the Olympic Games and determining the rules and eligibility for participation.

Elana Meyers Taylor

A five-time Olympic medalist in bobsleigh who supports the decision to ban Russian athletes from competing.

Anton Dukach

A Ukrainian luger who believes no Russian athletes should be allowed to compete, arguing they are not truly neutral.

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What they’re saying

“I agree with and support the IBSF's decision. Sport should be used to promote peace and fair play, and we need to stand firm against those that don't support those values.”

— Elana Meyers Taylor, Five-time Olympic medalist

“They are not neutral. They are supporting the war against Ukraine, against civilians, against family members, against me.”

— Anton Dukach, Ukrainian luger

What’s next

The International Luge Federation is expected to make a final decision in the coming weeks on the eligibility of the two Russian lugers who have qualified to compete at the 2026 Olympics.

The takeaway

The participation of Russian and Belarussian athletes at the 2026 Olympics as 'neutral' competitors remains a contentious issue, with Ukraine and its supporters arguing that no athletes from those countries should be allowed to compete due to the ongoing war. The IOC's attempt to balance fairness, politics, and the Olympic spirit will continue to be scrutinized as the Games approach.