IOC eases path toward Russia returning with full team at 2028 LA Olympics

IOC eases path toward Russia returning with full team at 2028 LA Olympics after lifting Russia’s suspension related to the Russian Olympic Committee. The International Olympic Committee provisionally removed the three-year vetting program for Russian athletes seeking neutral status and told sport federations to end it, citing the start of qualifying events for Los Angeles 2028 and the need for equal access to competitions. IOC president Kirsty Coventry said the change reflects that athletes should not be held accountable for government actions. Russia’s move also points to a return in team sports, with barriers remaining because the IOC guidance is not binding on each sport’s governing body. Track and field, through World Athletics, maintained bans for Russian and Belarusian athletes, while FIFA and UEFA have continued excluding Russia. World Aquatics lifted its restrictions in April, and 32 neutrals competed at Paris 2024, winning five medals.