Why Can’t Russia Compete in 2026 Olympics as ROC? Unpacking AIN’s Role

The upcoming 2026 Winter Olympic Games will see athletes competing under the banner of AIN, or Athlètes Individuels Neutres. This term translates to “Individual Neutral Athletes” in French. Athletes from Russia and Belarus, previously barred from competing as national representatives due to various controversies, will participate under this neutral banner.

Why Can’t Russia Compete as ROC in the 2026 Olympics?

The circumstances surrounding Russia’s absence as the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) stem from a suspension imposed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in October 2023. This decision followed the ongoing war in Ukraine and the ROC’s involvement in undermining the integrity of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine.

Details on the Suspension

• The IOC cited a breach of the Olympic Charter regarding territorial integrity.
• The ROC was previously allowed to compete in the Olympic Games after sanctions from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in 2019.
• Russian athletes participated as ROC during the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

Due to doping violations and associated scandals, the ROC had its right to compete revoked, leading to the formation of AIN as a neutral alternative.

Notable Scandals and Controversies

One significant episode that highlighted the ROC’s doping issues occurred during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Notably, figure skater Kamila Valieva received a positive test for a banned substance prior to the Games. This resulted in delays of medal ceremonies and intense scrutiny towards the ROC.

• Valieva tested positive for trimetazidine, a metabolic agent.
• She initially helped the ROC to win a gold medal in the team figure skating event.
• Despite the controversy, she competed in the individual event, finishing fourth.

Implications for Athletes at Milano Cortina 2026

At the Milano Cortina Games, athletes competing under AIN will face restrictions. They are allowed to compete in individual events, but team competitions are off-limits.

• AIN will feature two quota places in figure skating: one male and one female athlete.
• Athletes must possess a Russian or Belarusian passport to qualify under AIN.

Other Nations and Olympic Suspensions

Throughout Olympic history, several nations have faced bans due to infractions. For instance, North Korea was suspended from the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics for failing to participate in the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, citing health concerns linked to COVID-19.

The IOC has historically intervened in instances of government interference, as seen with Kuwait in 2015. Athletes from suspended nations have occasionally competed as “Independent Olympic Athletes.”

The shifting landscape of Olympic participation underscores the challenges faced by the IOC in maintaining the integrity of the Games. The role of AIN represents a significant response to these ongoing issues.

As the 2026 Winter Olympics draw nearer, the presence and performance of AIN athletes will be closely monitored, marking a new chapter in Olympic history.