IOC takes major step towards allowing Russia's return to the Olympic Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has ended a three-year program vetting Russians for neutral events ahead of qualifying events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Just weeks after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the IOC and other major governing bodies moved to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competition.

The IOC has since allowed those from Russia and Belarus to compete as neutral athletes, but there has long been a push for them to represent the national flag of their countries.

In February, the head of the International Ice Hockey Federation, Luc Tardif, wanted Russia and Belarus to return to international competition "as soon as possible".

"We want as soon as possible Belarus and the Russians back," he said. "We try to see what's going on. Every day you watch the news to hope that something will come better."

And finally, months after those reports emerged, the IOC has eased its entry requirements for Russian athletes and teams while provisionally lifting its suspension that has stood since October 2023.

The terms of that suspension, imposed when the Russian Olympic body incorporated regional sports councils from occupied regions of Ukraine, are no longer being applied.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the IOC is said to be addressing the "lack of confidence in the global sporting community relating to the return of Russian athletes to international competition."

Only 32 athletes from Russia and Belarus competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics as approved neutrals, and they combined to win five medals. That is a contrast to their representation at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, with 300 athletes competing to win 71 medals.

Although provisional, the news of the Russian Olympic Committee's (ROC) suspension being lifted almost three years on is excellent for those involved, as qualification for both the LA28 Olympic Games and the Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games has started.

Russian athletes must meet anti-doping requirements

No decision has been made on whether Russia can display its flag, colours and anthem at the Olympic Games, but it is stated they can compete again if they meet relevant 'anti-doping' requirements.

As per the official Olympic website, Russian athletes returning to international competition must be part of a national anti-doping program, including risk assessment, test distribution plan and results management.

Rules also state that all new athletes must have been tested multiple times before their return, and this is based on a sports risk assessment.

Likewise, as part of the anti-doping program, they must agree on an overall testing programme with the ITA, and this includes the number of tests needed and a timeframe.

The 2028 Summer Olympics will take place in Los Angeles, California, from July 14 to 30, 2028.