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Neutral Athletes to Participate in 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics
Published: 2026/01/28 23:00:05
Background and IOC Decision
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has confirmed that athletes from Russia and Belarus will be permitted to compete as neutral athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. This decision, announced on January 26, 2026, mirrors the approach taken at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics IOC.While these athletes will not participate in the opening ceremony parade, they will be given the opportunity to experience the Games in Milan and the mountain venues.
conditions for Participation
The participation of these athletes is contingent upon strict adherence to specific criteria. The IOC has established a commission to verify that athletes have no affiliation wiht the armed forces or support of the war in Ukraine. Individual athletes must meet these requirements to be eligible to compete.