Camilla Jessen
The International Olympic Committee hints at a potential return for Russian athletes in 2026.
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The International Olympic Committee is laying the groundwork for Russian athletes to potentially return to the Winter Olympics in 2026, according to statements made by IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell this week.
Speaking to Russian media Gazeta on April 9, McConnell confirmed that discussions are actively underway with winter sports federations.
“Athletes should not be held accountable for the actions of their governments,” he said.
Learning from Paris
McConnell pointed to the 2024 Paris Olympics as a model.
There, 15 Russian athletes participated under a neutral banner—an arrangement the IOC now cites as a successful precedent.
“The process of return has been smooth and without complications,” he said, adding that similar steps are being considered for winter disciplines.
While many summer sports federations have gradually loosened their bans, the winter sports world has so far remained firm. Most governing bodies continue to exclude Russian athletes entirely.
Despite the IOC’s efforts, alignment across all Russian sports organizations has yet to be reached. Some have refused to compete under neutral flags, rejecting the conditions imposed by global institutions.
Since the 2014 Sochi Games, Russian athletes have competed under various designations—from “Olympic Athletes from Russia” to “ROC”—but never under the Russian flag.
That distancing has only grown sharper in recent years.
Russian participation in both the 2021 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Games was limited and tightly controlled.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to take place from February 6 to 22 in Italy. Events will be held across Milan, Verona, and the Dolomites.