Russian bobsledders and skeleton athletes to keep competing as individual neutral athletes

The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF), the world governing body for these two winter ice-track sports, made a decision on Russian participation at an extraordinary congress held on Tuesday. Delegates voted that Russian bobsledders and skeleton athletes may compete in IBSF events in the 2026/2027 season with the status of individual neutral athletes.

In practice, this means athletes from Russia will continue to start in the federation's competitions, but not as representatives of their country. They will take part as separate participants under neutral status. The outcome of the vote and the decision were reported by the IBSF itself.

What the decision means

The ruling covers the bobsleigh and skeleton season spanning 2026 and 2027. Individual neutral status means Russian athletes enter competitions as individual participants. The source gives no details on the vote count, on specific athletes, or on any additional conditions they must meet.

The decision was taken at an extraordinary congress, so the question was handled separately from the federation's regular meetings. Further information on how the decision will be implemented is not yet available.