The organizers of the 2026 Olympic Games have unveiled the design of the podium. According to a post on the Instagram page of the Olympics 2026, athletes will stand on a podium inspired by Italian craftsmanship and crafted in a unique design and iconic shape.
Exclusion of Russians from the Olympics
The Council of the International Ski Federation (FIS) voted against the admission of Russians and Belarusians to the Olympic qualifying competitions. According to the decision, athletes from Russia and Belarus who are in individual neutral status (AIN) will not participate in qualifying competitions for the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milan.
Additionally, it is known that Russian speed skater Daniil Naidenishev, who was recognized as a neutral athlete by the International Skating Union (ISU), supports the occupier Mikhail Lebedev on social media, among other things, liking his photos and videos featuring his participation in the war against Ukraine.
Ukrainian speed skater Daniil Naidenishev, who received the status of a neutral athlete, is withdrawing support for a person involved in the conflict on the territory of Ukraine. This decision has led to his withdrawal from the qualifying competitions for the 2026 Olympics.