AIN Olympics: Decoding the Neutral Athlete Status at Milan Cortina 2026
At the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, a notable group of athletes are competing under a unique designation: AIN – Individual Neutral Athletes. This has sparked curiosity and questions about their origins and the reasons behind their neutral status. This article breaks down what AIN means, the context of the ban on Russian and Belarusian national teams, and the implications for these athletes.
What Does AIN Stand For?
You’ll see the letters “AIN” prominently displayed on the uniforms of these athletes. Contrary to initial assumptions, AIN doesn’t represent a country. It’s actually the French acronym for Athlètes Individuels Neutres, translating to Individual Neutral Athletes. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved these athletes to compete independently, without any national affiliation.
Who are the AINs at the 2026 Olympics?
Currently, 20 athletes are competing under the AIN designation at the Milan Cortina Olympics: 13 from Russia and seven from Belarus. Their participation comes after the IOC prohibited Russia from entering the Olympics following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Why the Ban and the Neutral Status?
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the IOC took a firm stance, initially banning Russia from Olympic competition. However, the committee later allowed individual athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete as neutrals, provided they meet strict criteria. This neutral status is granted to athletes who can demonstrate they haven’t actively supported the war in Ukraine and are not affiliated with the military or state security agencies. It’s important to note that not all sports federations allow athletes to qualify under this neutral status; for example, the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation does not offer a pathway for neutral qualification.
Restrictions for AIN Athletes
Despite being permitted to compete, AIN athletes face significant restrictions. Under IOC rules, they are barred from participating in team sports, meaning Russian and Belarusian athletes are absent from events like figure skating and hockey. This restriction will also be in place for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
A History of Neutral Participation
This isn’t the first time Russian athletes have competed under a neutral banner. At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, they competed as ROC (Russian Olympic Committee), winning 32 medals, including five gold. Similarly, at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, athletes competed under the ROC designation. Prior to that, at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, athletes were known as “Olympic Athletes from Russia” (OAR) following a ban due to a state-sponsored doping scheme. The IOC’s response to Russia’s actions has evolved over time, reflecting the changing geopolitical landscape and concerns about fair play. You can find more information about the history of Russian doping scandals and Olympic bans at NBC Olympics.
The Future of Neutral Athletes
The situation surrounding AIN athletes remains complex and subject to change. The IOC continues to monitor the geopolitical situation and adjust its policies accordingly. The participation of these athletes underscores the delicate balance between upholding Olympic principles and addressing global political realities.
