Russia inches closer to Olympic comeback — and may fly its flag in LA 2028

The road for Russian athletes to compete in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles just got a little smoother.

The International Olympic Committee Executive Board announced on Tuesday it’s lifted a ban on the Russian Olympic Committee that had been in place since October 2023 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The IOC stated it made its decision as “the ROC no longer includes as its members any regional sports organizations in territories falling under the jurisdiction of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Ukraine.”

Additionally, it said it factored in that “the ROC confirmed that it does not, and will not, conduct any activities in these territories.”

The IOC EB vowed to “to closely monitor the situation relating to any ROC activities in those territories, and reserves the right to take any further measures if deemed necessary.”

Prior to Tuesday’s move, Russians had been allowed to participate in the Games only after they proclaimed their neutral status.

Only a handful of Russian athletes competed in the 2024 Paris Games and the 2026 Milano Cortina Games over the stipulation.

Before the suspension, Russia had historically sent hundreds of athletes to the Olympics.

The IOC said in a statement that the lifting of the ban does not mean it’s altered its stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“The IOC took a very clear stance against the invasion, strongly condemning it,” officials said. “This position remains unchanged.”

The LA Games are slated to begin on July 14, 2028.

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