The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has decided to postpone the decision on whether to allow athletes from Russia and Belarus, but the internal debate is heated.

Last week, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ruled that Russian and Belarusian athletes may participate under a neutral flag at the 2026 Olympics. But it is up to each federation to decide whether to follow suit.

Also Read – IOC: Russians and Belarusians allowed to compete under neutral flag at 2026 Milano-Cortina

Now, FIS must determine whether athletes from Russia and Belarus will be admitted. However, at the ongoing autumn meetings in Zurich, no decision was made.

“It was discussed. Of course, there are different opinions, but there is no doubt where I and Norway stand,” says Norwegian Ski Association President Tove Moe Dyrhaug to NRK.

The Norwegian Ski Association has long been clear that they do not want Russian athletes on the start line in the World Cup or international championships. According to Dyrhaug, who is present at the meetings in Zurich, FIS will make its final decision on October 21.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Italy from February 6 to 22.

“The Russians have become much better”

Russia and Belarus have been banned from international competitions under the FIS since President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, they have only competed domestically, but according to insider sources, the level remains just as high as before.

Russia is said to have an entirely new generation of powerful skiers who may now be Olympic-ready, including the young talents who dominated at the Junior World Championships in Lygna in 2022. That was the last time Russians competed internationally.

Read More: “The Russians have become much better, several may now be Olympic-ready”

No biathletes at the Olympics

For biathlon, the situation is different. The International Biathlon Union (IBU) has been crystal clear that no athletes from Russia or Belarus will be allowed to participate in the 2026 Olympics.

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