Summary
Nine athletes from Russia and Belarus can now compete in the qualifying events for the 2026 Winter Olympics as neutral athletes. A sports court lifted the initial ban by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, allowing them to participate under specific conditions that don't involve representing their countries.
Key Facts
- Nine Russian and Belarusian athletes will compete as neutral athletes in Winter Olympics qualifying events.
- The athletes were initially banned by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
- A sports court lifted the ban last week, allowing their participation.
- The athletes will compete under the status of Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) and not under their national flags.
- The Russian Ski Association and Belarusian Ski Union successfully appealed the initial ban.
- The Court of Arbitration for Sport partially supported the appeals and allowed the athletes to compete.
- More athletes may receive permission as further eligibility reviews are conducted.
- Since 2022, many sports have banned Russian and Belarusian athletes following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
