For the past few Olympic Games the Russian and Belarusian athletes were not allowed to compete under their nation’s flags but had to compete as neutral athletes with the Olympic flag and anthem if they won a medal.
The International Olympic Committee issued a statement saying, “a fundamental right to access sport across the world, and to compete free from political interference or pressure from governmental organizations.”
The statement was made in association with the suggestion that in future events – after the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games next month – that teams and athletes compete in international youth events with their full identity of national flag and anthem.”
The 2028 Summer Olympic Games are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles and with the current political environment could face some “political crosswinds”.
The recent Russian ban stems from the Russian invasion of Ukraine during the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
However, The IOC continues to advise that Russia not be allowed to host any international events.
The Youth Olympic Games are scheduled for October 31 to November 13 which the Russian athletes are currently banned from attending; however, the IOC states,“the above principles should apply to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, and are recommended for adoption by all governing bodies and international sports event organizers for their own youth events.”
A small group of Russian and Belarussian athletes are scheduled to compete under the neutral category in the upcoming Winter Games in Italy.
The IOC notes that any changes will take time and expects some protest, especially from European nations.
The IOC noted, “with its considerations today the Olympic Summit recognized that athletes, and in particular youth athletes, should not be held accountable for the actions of their governments.”