The International Olympic Committee (IOC) lifts the suspension that had barred Russian athletes from competing as representatives at the Olympics, paving the way for Russia to potentially take part in the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The suspension was originally imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Multiple outlets report that the IOC’s decision restores the possibility of Russian participation, though key details remain unresolved. The IOC has not yet decided what, if any, national symbols Russians may use at LA 2028, including whether Russian flags and colours can be displayed and whether Russia’s anthem can be played. The Guardian adds that the question of anthem and flag use is still unclear.
The reporting also notes that Russian athletes have competed only in limited circumstances since 2016, with authorisation for small numbers of athletes to participate at Paris 2024 and the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games as neutral athletes, subject to IOC vetting. The Vancouver Sun and ABC Australia both describe the lifting as provisional, while acknowledging that Russia’s final conditions for representation have yet to be determined.
