![Russia Back at the Olympics: What the IOC Just Dec](https://cdn.slatesource.com/1/5/f/15f69d13-5599-431a-83ab-c399bbe17b01.webp) # Russia Back at the Olympics: What the IOC Just Dec - [Made in Slatesource](https://slatesource.com/@steph/russia-back-at-the-olympics-what-the-ioc-just-dec) - By [Steph](https://slatesource.com/@steph) - Created on Aug 6, 2026 ## The IOCIOC LiftsLifts Russia'sRussia's Decade-LongDecade-Long OlympicOlympic BanBan On 8 JulyJuly 20262026 the InternationalInternational OlympicOlympic CommitteeCommittee provisionallyprovisionally liftedlifted its suspensionsuspension of the RussianRussian OlympicOlympic CommitteeCommittee, endingending a decade-longdecade-long banban that had been imposedimposed in the wakewake of Russia'sRussia's state-sponsoredstate-sponsored dopingdoping scandalscandal at the 20142014 SochiSochi WinterWinter GamesGames and the Kremlin'sKremlin's full-scalefull-scale invasioninvasion of UkraineUkraine in 20222022. The decisiondecision clearsclears the wayway for RussianRussian athletesathletes to competecompete as fullfull nationalnational representativesrepresentatives, ratherrather than as neutralsneutrals, at the 20282028 SummerSummer OlympicsOlympics in LosLos AngelesAngeles. The IOCIOC saidsaid the banban was liftedlifted becausebecause Russia'sRussia's OlympicOlympic CommitteeCommittee had formallyformally removedremoved from its membershipmembership any regionalregional sportssports bodiesbodies in the fourfour UkrainianUkrainian territoriesterritories that RussiaRussia illegallyillegally occupiedoccupied and claimedclaimed to annexannex in 20222022. The IOCIOC had ruledruled in 20232023 that recognisingrecognising those councilscouncils violatedviolated the OlympicOlympic CharterCharter and Ukraine'sUkraine's territorialterritorial integrityintegrity. Years since Russia's first Olympic doping suspension 12 (since Sochi 2014) Russian athletes competed at Paris 2024 as neutrals 32 Russian athletes competed at Milan Cortina 2026 as neutrals 20 Russian medals at Tokyo 2021 (full team, 335 athletes) 71 Russian medals at Paris 2024 (32 neutrals, no flag) 5 Sports federations still upholding their own ban at least 1 (World Athletics) Days until LA 2028 qualifying events begin in earnest under 365 What Changes Now The ROC suspension is provisionally lifted. Russian athletes may compete with their country's name and kit at events where the relevant international federation agrees. The AIN neutral vetting programme, in place since 2023, is wound up. Athletes no longer need to pass a political loyalty check to compete. What Stays Restricted The Russian flag and national anthem remain banned from competition venues until the IOC decides the "appropriate time" to restore them. Russian government officials are still barred from attending Olympic events. Russia cannot host any IOC event. Individual sports federations keep the right to maintain their own bans. > This decision sends a troubling signal to the entire international community. Russia continues its unprovoked war. We urge all federations to uphold the ban for as long as bombs fall on Ukrainian cities. > The IOC has given a green light to international federations to welcome Russia back to the Olympic family. We are ready. # Should Russia compete at LA 2028 under its own flag? The IOC says the legal grounds for the ban are resolved. Ukraine says Russian missiles are still hitting apartment buildings. World Athletics says its ban stays. Sport has always claimed to sit above politics. This decision tests that claim harder than almost any in Olympic history. Where do you stand, and why? No comments yet. Be the first. Log in to comment What happens next is not the IOC's decision alone. World Athletics, the global governing body for track and field, confirmed its own full ban on Russian athletes remains in force regardless of the IOC ruling. Swimming, fencing, gymnastics and other federations are reviewing their own policies. Russian athletes will face enhanced anti-doping testing delegated to the International Testing Agency before receiving clearance to compete at any qualifying event. No flag or anthem restoration date has b [IOC official news: full statement on Russia and latest Olympic updates](https://olympics.com/ioc/news?utm_source=slatesource)