Russians to the Olympics – strict conditions

The Russians and Belarusian athletes will have the opportunity to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, report International Skating Union ISU.

Regarding the Olympic sports, the decision concerns figure skating, speed skating and rink speed skating. Each country can get one participant per sport.

The countries’ figure skaters are allowed to participate in the Olympic qualifiers held in Beijing in September 2025. However, athletes are not allowed to participate in the figure skating team competition.

Speed ​​skaters and rink speed skaters also get the chance to qualify for the Olympics.

Russians and Belarusians compete as neutral athletes. The same practice was followed, for example, at the Summer Olympics in Paris.

ISU also published a list of strict conditions required for athletes from countries to participate in qualifying events.

Athletes may not represent their home countries with, for example, national anthems or flags. In addition to this, all kinds of connections with the armed forces and intelligence services of Russia or Belarus are prohibited.

ISU condemns Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. The federation says it will continue to financially support Ukrainian skaters.