On June 24, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry spoke at the SwissTech Convention Center in Lausanne, Switzerland. The IOC announced to Olympic sports bodies the cessation of a three-year vetting program for Russians seeking neutral status in qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The IOC’s decision aligns with an earlier advisory permitting Belarusian athletes to compete under their national identity. The IOC emphasized its support for Ukraine’s Olympic community amidst ongoing conflict. The body’s official statement, following an executive board meeting, reaffirmed ongoing assistance for Ukraine.
The IOC has eased entry requirements for Russian athletes and teams, reinstating the Russian Olympic Committee’s participation after lifting its suspension from October 2023. Previously, the suspension was due to the incorporation of regional sports councils from Ukrainian territories.
Previously, only 32 athletes from Russia and Belarus participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics as approved neutrals and secured five medals. Comparatively, during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, over 300 Russian athletes participated, winning 71 medals.
As of now, the IOC has not authorized Russian athletes and teams to compete under their national flag and anthem, indicating a future decision at a suitable time. The next Olympic event is the 2026 Youth Summer Games in Dakar, Senegal, starting Oct. 31.
Addressing concerns about the return of Russian athletes to international competitions, the IOC mandates multiple doping controls and participation in a validated testing program. Furthermore, the IOC continues to refrain from organizing events in Russia or inviting Russian officials to any IOC gatherings.