NPR
The IOC clears the way for Russian athletes to return to Olympic competition
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
The International Olympic Committee announced a framework allowing Russian athletes to compete in Olympic events under a neutral flag, ending restrictions that had been in place since 2014 following a doping investigation and subsequent geopolitical tensions. The decision permits Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in qualifying competitions and the Olympics themselves, provided they meet eligibility criteria established by individual sports federations. The IOC stated the framework applies to athletes who can demonstrate they have not been implicated in doping violations or support for military aggression.
Original reporting: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/08/g-s1-132480/russia-olympics-ioc-decision