Trending Now - IOC Calls for Inclusion of Belarus Athletes in Competitions

WHO:

olympics.com - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is involved in the decision regarding Belarusian athletes.

olympics.com - Athletes with a Belarusian passport are specifically mentioned.

WHAT:

olympics.com - The IOC has urged sports organizations to allow Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flag.

olympics.com - The IOC no longer recommends restrictions on the participation of Belarusian athletes in international competitions.

olympics.com - Athletes with Belarusian passports have participated as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) in numerous international sporting events.

WHERE:

olympics.com - The Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games are mentioned as events where Belarusian athletes will compete.

WHEN:

olympics.com - The IOC Executive Board confirmed the fundamental right of athletes to access sport in September 2025.

olympics.com - This right was reaffirmed at the Olympic Summit in December 2025.

olympics.com - The qualification period for the LA28 Olympic Games and the Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games starts this summer.

WHY:

olympics.com - The IOC's decision is based on the belief that athletes' participation should not be limited by their governments' actions, including involvement in wars or conflicts.

olympics.com - The IOC aims to uphold a values-based and global sporting platform amidst growing global instability.

HOW:

olympics.com - The IOC's decision follows discussions as part of the “Fit for the Future” process.

(UPDATED May 7, 2026 17:35 UTC)

The International Olympic Committee has made a significant decision regarding Belarusian athletes, urging sports organizations to allow them to compete under their national flag and lifting previous restrictions on their participation in international competitions. This change comes as the IOC reaffirms the fundamental right of athletes to access sport, a principle confirmed by the Executive Board in September 2025 and reiterated at the Olympic Summit in December 2025. Looking ahead, Belarusian athletes are set to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, with the qualification period for the LA28 Olympic Games and the Dolomiti Valtellina 2028 Winter Youth Olympic Games starting this summer.