Russia’s Winter Olympics Ban: Meet the AIN Athletes

This year, the Winter Olympics, starting on February 6, 2026, in Milan-Cortina, will feature athletes from 92 nations. However, Russia and Belarus will not participate officially due to a ban imposed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which was confirmed in October 2023. Despite this suspension, some athletes from these countries can compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) under a neutral flag.

Reasons for the Ban on Russia and Belarus

The IOC recommended suspending athletes from Russia and Belarus in March 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Belarus supported Russia’s actions, leading to increased scrutiny over their athletic participation.

In response to threats of a boycott of upcoming events, the International Paralympic Committee also barred Russian and Belarusian athletes during the Paralympics shortly after the invasion. The formal ban by the IOC was enacted due to Russian control over sporting organizations in territories occupied during the invasion.

Meet the AIN Athletes

A small number of athletes from Russia and Belarus are allowed to compete in upcoming events as Individual Neutral Athletes. This designation ensures they do not compete under their national flags. Instead, these athletes will represent themselves using a teal flag with the AIN emblem.

AIN athletes cannot use their nations’ national anthems; rather, an instrumental version will be played during competitions. At the last Olympics, athletes under this category could not participate in the Opening Ceremony, and any medals they earned were not counted in the overall medal tally.

Qualification for AIN Status

Individual Neutral Athletes are restricted from competing in team events, as the IOC determined that individuals cannot form a team. Athletes wishing to compete must be approved by their sport’s governing body and pass a vetting process with strict criteria, which includes no affiliations with the Russian military or pro-war statements regarding Ukraine.

Confirmed AIN Athletes for Milano-Cortina 2026

A total of 20 athletes—13 from Russia and 7 from Belarus—have been invited by the IOC to compete. The confirmed athletes include:

• From Russia:
  • Yulia Pleshkova – Alpine skiing
  • Simon Efimov – Alpine skiing
  • Savelii Korostelev – Cross-country skiing
  • Daria Nepriaeva – Cross-country skiing
  • Petr Gumennik – Figure skating
  • Adeliia Petrosian – Figure skating
  • Daria Olesik – Luge
  • Pavel Repilov – Luge
  • Ivan Posashkov – Short-track
  • Alena Krylova – Short-track
  • Nikita Filippov – Ski mountaineering
  • Kseniia Korzhova – Speed skating
  • Anastasiia Semenova – Speed skating
• From Belarus:
  • Marina Zueva – Speed skating
  • Hanna Karaliova – Cross-country skiing
  • Viktoriya Safonova – Figure skating
  • Maria Shkanova – Alpine skiing
  • Anastasiya Andryianava – Freestyle skiing
  • Anna Derugo – Freestyle skiing
  • Hanna Huskova – Freestyle skiing

As the games approach, the world will be watching how these Individual Neutral Athletes perform in a uniquely challenging situation at the Winter Olympics.