Every day brings new reports of missile strikes on Ukraine. At the same time, the IOC (International Olympic Committee) has announced the lifting of its suspension of Russia, raising the very real prospect of Ukrainian and Russian athletes competing against each other at the 2030 Winter Olympics in France.

The IOC announced the decision in a press release. It has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. Russian athletes must still meet the same anti-doping requirements as all other competitors.

The IOC has deferred the question of whether they may compete under the Russian flag to a later date. A small number of Russian athletes were permitted to compete in the cross-country skiing World Cup last season, subject to several conditions, including that they must not be employed by the military. Several national team members do not meet that requirement, among them star athlete Alexander Bolshunov.

More Russians eligible going forward

The decision opens the door for greater Russian participation. The IOC stressed it will continue to monitor the ROC (Russian Olympic Committee) closely and reserves the right to introduce new measures if necessary.

The ruling removes the recommendations to international federations to maintain restrictions on Russian athletes and teams, meaning it will largely be up to each individual sport’s governing body to decide whether to readmit Russian competitors.

Read More: IBU sends a clear message to Russia

Federations to decide

The IBU has been firm about not readmitting Russian athletes, while cross-country skiing allowed two Russian skiers back into the World Cup last winter. The IOC also stated it will not hold IOC events in Russia or invite Russian government or state officials to its own events.

The Russian Olympic Committee was suspended by the IOC on October 12, 2023, after ROC incorporated sports organizations from Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine. The IOC maintains it condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, though it made no reference to the heavy strikes with numerous casualties in Ukraine in just the past week.

Nordic combined dropped from Olympics

For fans of Nordic skiing, there is also the blow of the IOC removing Nordic combined from the Olympic program. The discipline has been part of the Games since the first Winter Olympics in Chamonix in 1924.

New IOC president Kirsten Coventry said the organization must follow developments and reflect what is popular at any given time. Nordic combined’s future at the Games had been debated before, but this marks the end of the road.

Cross-country skiing has so far retained its place, and as one of the original disciplines from 1924, it will feature alongside biathlon at the 2030 Winter Olympics in France.

Also Read: Single Mixed Relay to make its Olympic debut at the 2030 Winter Games

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