Archive · 12 Dec 2025
IOC Eases Ban on Youth Athletes from Russia, Belarus
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to let young athletes from Russia and Belarus compete in international sports again.
This is a big change because these athletes were not allowed to compete after Russia invaded Ukraine.
The IOC made this decision at a meeting called the Olympic Summit.
They said that the young athletes can now compete under normal rules, like using their own flags and anthems.
However, older athletes from these countries still have to go through strict checks and can only compete if they are neutral.
The IOC wants all sports groups to follow these new rules by the time of the next Youth Olympic Games in Dakar in 2026.
This change does not affect the ban on Russian and Belarusian teams from the upcoming Winter Games in Milano-Cortina in 2026.
IOC allows youth athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete internationally again.
Decision made at the Olympic Summit, backed by delegates.
Standard competition rules apply, including flags and anthems.
Implementation requires approval from international federations.
Senior athletes still face strict scrutiny and remain banned from Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
- Who
- Youth athletes from Russia and Belarus
- What
- IOC has eased the ban allowing them to compete internationally
- When
- Announced on December 12, 2025
- Where
- International events, with full implementation aimed for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
- Why
- IOC's decision to reintegrate youth athletes, while maintaining stricter rules for senior athletes
- Date
- December 12, 2025
- IOC President
- Kirsty Coventry
- Event
- Olympic Summit
- Affected Athletes
- Youth athletes from Russia and Belarus
- Upcoming Event
- Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
- Senior Athletes Status
- Still banned from Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games
- Implementation
- Requires approval from international federations