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Russia officially is banned from the 2026 Winter Olympics, but 13 athletes have qualified to compete as "neutral'' athletes. Here's how that works.
The IOC banned Russia from participating because it violated Olympic rules by attempting to include Ukrainian sports organizations as members of the Russian team following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Belarus was banned for supporting Russia's war actions in Ukraine.
It's because of the ban on Russia because of the invasion of Ukraine back in 2022. Athletes from the country won't be able to compete under their flag -- they're listed as AIN, or as Individual Neutral Athletes. But then could an AIN team of Russian players be in the tournament?
At least a dozen athletes will represent AIN at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Here's what it has to do with the ROC, Russia and the country's doping scandal.
The topic has become a debate during the 2026 Milan Cortina Games amid the conflicts involving Russia and Israel.
"It's about giving back and justice," said France's Martin Fourcade, now the gold medalist in the mass start from the 2010 Games.
MILAN (AP) — Ukrainian figure skater Kyrylo Marsak wrapped up his Olympics with a disappointing men's free skate Friday night, then had to endure waiting for his score while Russian athlete Petr Gumennik sat in the leader's chair about 10 feet away from him.