— Published January 15, 2025

Will the Milan-Cortina door open for Russia?

Events Focus

The Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Milan-Cortina will officially begin in 387 days, on February 6, 2026. A major question mark remains as the final stretch looms: 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 back 32 medals, the second highest total, behind Norway (37). A few days later, Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine and effectively banned his country from international sport. Nothing is definitively decided for Milan-Cortina 2026, even if the signals are not favorable to Moscow.

Fifteen in Paris, even fewer in Milan?

The IOC has banned Russia and Belarus, which supports its neighbor in the conflict, from participating in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. As a result, 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 President of the Russian Olympic Committee, admitted that his representatives "will not be numerous". The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has shown no intention of being conciliatory. The International Luge Federation (FIL) has 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". The same firmness is shown by 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 banned Russians from its international competitions for three years. Viktor Maigurov nevertheless 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 participate, the president of the Russian Biathlon Union (RBU) said in October. Our training and preparation plans are set up so that we can take part in all international competitions, especially the Olympic Games." Russian biathletes brought home four medals from Beijing, including three in relay.

Break the ice

The International Skating Union (ISU), however, has opened the door: Russians and Belarusians will be allowed to take part in the qualifications for the Games in figure skating, speed skating 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 announced his wish to be able to count on Russian stars. "We will wait as long as possible, assures Luc Tardif, its president, but we have to make a decision in February." The IOC's position will be closely scrutinised since it had refused to allow the Russians, even under a neutral banner, to compete in team events in Paris.