Russian athletes find a narrow path back to the upcoming Winter Olympics 2026 courtesy of the International Olympic Committee’s new rules

Russian athletes face a limited return to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics as “Individual Neutral Athletes.” Only a select few, including two speed skaters and two figure skaters, have passed stringent IOC neutrality checks, proving no support for the Ukraine invasion or ties to military/security services. Their participation underscores Russia’s restricted Olympic presence.