A single vote could reshape the future of international skiing. On Tuesday, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) will decide whether to lift its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes — a ruling that could determine who lines up at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.

The topic has divided the skiing world. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, athletes from Russia and Belarus have been barred from all FIS competitions. Now, more than two years later, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged international federations to allow them back under a neutral flag.

In recent weeks, FIS sent a detailed letter and survey to all national ski and snowboard federations, asking whether Russian and Belarusian athletes should be allowed to compete in Olympic qualification events as neutrals. The responses, gathered ahead of Tuesday’s board meeting, could tip the balance one way or another.

The decision has already sparked strong reactions from Nordic countries. Norway and Sweden have both made their opposition clear, with several leading athletes — including Swedish star Linn Svahn — warning they would refuse to compete if Russians are reinstated before the war ends.

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The FIS leadership has emphasized its duty to remain politically neutral, while critics argue that reinstating Russia now would undermine both moral and sporting integrity.

Whether the suspension is upheld or lifted, tomorrow’s decision will send shockwaves through the skiing community — and set the tone for the road to Milano-Cortina 2026.

The outcome of the vote will be announced Tuesday, October 21.

Read More – A single letter could change everything: FIS faces key decision on Russian participation

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