For the second consecutive Olympic Games, Russian athletes will again not compete under their national flag. Instead, 13 athletes from Russia will participate as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) in the upcoming Milan Cortina Games, set to begin Friday, alongside seven athletes from Belarus.
This decision stems from the ongoing war in Ukraine, with a recent series of unsuccessful U.S.-brokered peace talks underscoring the continued geopolitical tensions. The AIN designation mirrors the similar exclusion of Russia and Belarus at the Paris 2024 Games. Athletes from these countries will be absent from the opening ceremony, and their flags will not be displayed. Additionally, if any AIN athletes reach the podium, their national anthems will not be played.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) made this ruling in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, shortly after the Beijing Games, where athletes competed under the Russian Olympic Committee’s banner. Belarus, a close ally of Russia in the conflict, faces the same restrictions.
The eligibility of Russian and Belarusian athletes is determined by the IOC’s Individual Neutral Athlete Eligibility Review Panel. To compete, these athletes must affirm their commitment to the Olympic Charter and demonstrate they are not supporting the war in Ukraine.
Historically, Russia has been a dominant force in the Winter Olympics, frequently securing high medal counts. In 2022, for instance, the Russian Olympic Committee finished with the second-highest total of medals. However, this year’s 13 Russian athletes will participate in just seven events, including Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, and speed skating.
Russia’s Olympic participation history has been turbulent, particularly in light of doping scandals. The 2016 Rio Games marked the last time the country competed under its own name, and despite the IOC’s efforts to maintain integrity in the Games, doping issues have led to numerous restrictions over the years.
Notably, this year, Russia’s representation in figure skating is limited to just two athletes, Petr Gumennik and Adeliia Petrosian, who are positioned as the most promising contenders for medals among the AINs. The situation reflects the broader impact of geopolitical developments on sports, demonstrating that even elite athletes can be affected by global conflicts.
Amidst these challenges, it is worthwhile to recognize the resilience of athletes who continue to pursue their dreams on the Olympic stage, even under restrictive circumstances. Their commitment to the spirit of competition stands as a testament to the enduring power of sports to unite individuals, irrespective of the political landscapes in which they find themselves.