Understanding AIN: Individual Neutral Athletes at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
London, 13 February 2026 – As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games continue, the presence of “Individual Neutral Athletes” (AIN) remains a focal point of international sporting discourse. Following the ongoing suspension of the Russian and Belarusian Olympic Committees, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has maintained a strict framework allowing only vetted individuals from these nations to compete under a neutral banner.
What is AIN?
The acronym AIN is derived from the French title Athlètes Individuels Neutres. This designation was established to allow eligible competitors with Russian or Belarusian passports to participate in the Olympic Games without representing their respective states. These athletes do not compete under their national flags, and their medals are not credited to Russia or Belarus in the official medal standings.
To compete as an AIN, athletes must undergo a rigorous vetting process. This includes demonstrating an absence of direct funding from their national governments and proving they have no links to the military or security agencies. Furthermore, any athlete who has publicly supported the invasion of Ukraine is disqualified from participation.
Key Facts and Participation Criteria
The participation of AINs is governed by strict protocols regarding uniforms, anthems, and conduct. The following table outlines the core components of the AIN framework for the 2026 Winter Games:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Designation | Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) |
| Eligible Passports | Russian and Belarusian |
| National Symbols | Prohibited (No flags, emblems, or national anthems) |
| Vetting Criteria | No military ties; no public support for the war in Ukraine |
| Medal Table | Medals are credited to “AIN” and not to any nation |
| Team Sports | Prohibited (Only individual athletes are eligible) |
Current Context and Controversies
The 2026 Winter Games have seen a limited number of AIN competitors across various disciplines. Notable athletes who have met the eligibility criteria include speed skater Marina Zueva, cross-country skier Hanna Karaliova, and figure skater Viktoriya Safonova. Despite the strict vetting, the presence of these athletes remains a subject of debate among competing nations and human rights advocates.
The Games have also been marked by strict enforcement of Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits political demonstrations. This was highlighted recently by the disqualification of Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was removed from competition following a dispute regarding political expression on his equipment, bringing the IOC’s “neutrality” policies into sharp focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Russia and Belarus banned from the 2026 Olympics?
The International Olympic Committee suspended both nations following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, citing a violation of the Olympic Truce and the Olympic Charter. While the nations are banned, the IOC provides a pathway for individual athletes to compete if they can prove they are not associated with their government’s actions.
Do AIN athletes participate in the Opening Ceremony?
Under the current regulations, Individual Neutral Athletes do not participate as a group in the Parade of Nations during the Opening Ceremony, as they do not represent a formal national delegation.
How many AIN athletes competed in the previous Summer Games?
At the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, a total of 32 Individual Neutral Athletes participated, consisting of 15 athletes with Russian passports and 17 with Belarusian passports.