At the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Russian athletes are expected to have a significantly diminished presence compared to previous years, primarily due to the fallout from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and prior doping violations. Following the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, where Russian competitors participated as neutrals, the newly imposed bans on Russian athletes from international competitions have left only 13 athletes eligible to compete, and they will be representing themselves rather than the nation. These athletes will not have the backing of the Russian flag or national anthem, reinforcing the ongoing isolation of Russian sports on the global stage.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved these 13 athletes across seven different sports, but the qualifying process was complex and inconsistent, varying considerably from one sport to another. As such, athletes with Russian passports have found alternative opportunities by competing under the flags of other countries, demonstrating a shift in allegiance driven by the geopolitical circumstances. The implications of these changes are profound, not just for the athletes themselves, but also for Russia's longstanding strategy of using sports as a means of soft power and international prestige, which has been severely undermined.

The absence of a unified Russian team at the Olympics marks a significant departure from the Soviet era, when sports were integral to the country’s identity and global standing. The new reality poses challenges for the athletes who have trained for these competitions, highlighting the intersection of sports, politics, and national identity in a time of crisis. As the Olympic spirit is tested against the backdrop of political strife, the 2026 games serve as a poignant reminder of how global events can reshape the landscape of international sports.