Learn languages naturally with fresh, real content!

Popular Topics
Explore By Region
Thirteen Russian and seven Belarusian athletes compete as neutrals at 2026 Winter Olympics, barred from national symbols and team sports due to Ukraine war.
Following a ban on their countries because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, thirteen athletes from Russia and seven from Belarus will compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. They are not allowed to take part in the opening ceremony parade and will not use national symbols, flags, or anthems. Strict eligibility requirements, such as having no affiliation with the military or state security agencies and not endorsing the war, were used by the IOC to approve their participation. The ruling comes after a 2023 Court of Arbitration for Sport decision that reversed an earlier prohibition on skiers from Belarus and Russia. Ice hockey and other team sports are still off-limits to Russia.