MILAN, 18 February 2026 – As the Winter Olympic Games continue in Milan Cortina, many spectators have noticed the acronym “AIN” appearing on medal tables and athlete uniforms. Despite its appearance alongside national abbreviations like AUS or USA, AIN is not a country, but a specific designation for Individual Neutral Athletes.
What Does AIN Stand For?
AIN is derived from the French name Athlètes Individuels Neutres. This designation was established by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow eligible athletes with Russian or Belarusian passports to compete in international sporting events following the suspension of their respective National Olympic Committees.
The status was first implemented prominently during the Paris 2024 Summer Games and has been carried forward into the 2026 Winter Olympics. Athletes competing under this banner are subject to strict eligibility requirements, including a vetting process to ensure they have not actively supported the war in Ukraine and have no affiliations with military or national security agencies.
Latest Updates: AIN at the 2026 Winter Olympics
As of today, 18 February 2026, the presence of AIN athletes remains a focal point of the Winter Games. Recent developments include:
- Figure Skating Highlights: Earlier today, Russian figure skater Adeliia Petrosian competed under the AIN flag in the women’s short programme, drawing significant international media attention to the neutral status.
- Skiing Eligibility: Last week, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) granted neutral status to two Russian cross-country skiers, allowing them to join the delegation in Milan.
- Paralympic Shift: In a major announcement yesterday, officials indicated that the Russian flag and anthem are set to return at next month’s Paralympics, marking a departure from the strict AIN protocols used during the primary Olympic window.
- Coaching Controversy: On 16 February, the International Skating Union (ISU) addressed concerns regarding the presence of controversial Russian coach Eteri Tutberidze at the Games, highlighting the ongoing tension surrounding neutral participation.
AIN Participation Rules and Restrictions
Athletes designated as AIN do not represent the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus. They are subject to the following conditions:
| Feature | AIN Regulation |
|---|---|
| Flag | A circular teal/green flag featuring the AIN emblem; no national flags allowed. |
| Anthem | A dedicated AIN anthem with no lyrics; national anthems are prohibited. |
| Uniforms | Must be neutral in colour; no national symbols or “Russia/Belarus” text. |
| Medal Table | Medals won by AINs are not displayed in the official national medal rankings. |
| Team Sports | Participation is limited to individual athletes; no national teams (e.g., Ice Hockey) are permitted. |
Public and Political Sentiment
The inclusion of AIN athletes continues to spark debate. Public insights from the past week show a divide: some argue that athletes should not be punished for the actions of their governments, while critics and Ukrainian officials maintain that any Russian presence—even under a neutral flag—serves as a propaganda tool for Moscow. Recent reports suggest that while some Russian officials have dismissed the Games due to these restrictions, the performance of AIN athletes remains a point of national pride within Russia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AIN a new country?
No, AIN is a temporary designation for Individual Neutral Athletes. It does not represent a sovereign state or a permanent Olympic territory.
Why are Russia and Belarus banned?
The ban was originally enacted following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which the IOC deemed a violation of the Olympic Truce. This followed previous sanctions related to state-sponsored doping scandals.
Can AIN athletes win medals?
Yes, AIN athletes can win gold, silver, and bronze medals. However, these medals are credited to the individual rather than a country, and the AIN anthem is played during podium ceremonies instead of the Russian or Belarusian national anthems.
Is Al Ain related to AIN?
No. While “Al Ain” is a city in the United Arab Emirates (recently named the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2026), it has no connection to the Olympic AIN designation.