— Published January 15, 2025
Institutions Focus
The Milan-Cortina Olympic Games will officially begin in 387 days, on February 6, 2026. A major question mark remains as the home stretch is in sight: will Russian athletes be there? Banned as an official delegation to Beijing 2022 following revelations of massive doping, Russia sent 212 athletes to China under the colors of the Russian Olympic Committee. They brought home 32 medals, the second highest total, behind Norway (37). A few days later, Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine and de facto banned his country from international sport. Nothing has been definitively decided for Milan-Cortina 2026, even if the signals are not favorable to Moscow.
Fifteen in Paris, even less in Milan?
The IOC banned Russia and Belarus, which supports its neighbor in the conflict, from participating in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Consequence: only 17 Belarusians and 15 Russians competed in France, under a neutral banner. A massacre for Russia, which had sent 333 athletes to Tokyo three years earlier. What will happen in the Dolomites? Mikhail Degtyarev, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Russian Olympic Committee, admitted that his representatives “will not be many”. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has not shown any intention of being conciliatory. The International Luge Federation extended the suspension of the Russians “by a large majority” last year, explaining that this sanction would be in force “as long as hostilities in Ukraine continue”. Same firmness from World Curling, whose board of directors has just extended the exclusion of Russian and Belarusian athletes until the end of the winter season. While reserving “the right to review one’s decision if necessary”.
The International Biathlon Union (IBU) has also excluded Russians from its international competitions for three years. Despite all hope, Viktor Maigurov remains hopeful since the dialogue continues. “We are in contact with the international federation and hope that at least some of our athletes will be allowed to participateconfided the president of the Russian Biathlon Union (RBU) in October. Our training and preparation plans are established so that we can take part in all international competitions, especially the Olympic Games. » Russian biathletes brought back four medals to Beijing, including three in relays.
Break the ice
The International Skating Federation (ISU), on the other hand, has opened the door: Russians and Belarusians will be authorized to take part in the qualifications for the Games in figure skating, ice speed and short track. “The process of a full return to international sport will be difficult, but events such as the ISU decision are important steps on that path”rejoiced Mikhail Degtyarev, Minister of Sports and President of the Russian Olympic Committee. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has publicly communicated its desire to be able to count on Russian stars. “We will wait as long as possibleassures Luc Tardif, president of the federation, but we have to make a decision in February. » The IOC’s position will be closely scrutinized since it refused to allow the Russians, even under a neutral banner, to take part in team events in Paris. Their presence should perhaps instead be considered around the competition sites, thanks to the volunteer program. Their precise number has not been communicated, but there were several in Paris last summer.
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