Bobsled-skeleton federation not allowing Russian athletes to compete at 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics
September 12, 2025
Russian bobsled and skeleton athletes will not compete at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. The International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation voted Friday against allowing Russian athletes to compete as neutral individuals at the games in February. This decision follows a similar move by the International Luge Federation in June. Russian athletes have been barred from major international events since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Even if the vote had been different, qualifying would have been challenging because of their absence from top competitions. Russia might appeal, but time is running out with the World Cup season starting November 21.