On April 9, Russian media reports that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is currently in discussions with winter sports federations about the possibility of Russian athletes competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics. IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell shared this update.
“Athletes should not be held accountable for the actions of their governments. We are explaining this to the winter federations and referencing the experience of the summer federations,” McConnell said. “Once decisions are made, the process of return has been smooth and without complications.”
McConnell also confirmed that talks regarding Russian participation in the 2026 Winter Games have already begun.
“We are engaging with the winter federations and pointing to the examples from the summer federations, such as the Paris Olympics, where neutral athletes competed without issue,” he added.
During the 2024 Paris Olympics, 15 Russian athletes participated as neutrals. While summer sports federations are gradually lifting bans on Russian athletes, most winter sports federations continue to uphold their decisions to exclude Russian competitors.
However, not all Russian sports federations have agreed to participate under the terms set by international organizations.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled for February 6-22 in Italy, with events taking place in Milan, Verona, and the Dolomites.
Russian athletes have not competed under their country’s flag in the Winter Games since 2014 and have been excluded from the Summer Games since 2016.
Previously, it was reported that, as of March 2025, 591 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been confirmed killed by Russia, 22 are in captivity, and 11 are missing.
