Irina Rodnina assessed Russia's chances of full participation in the Winter Olympics in Italy.
The State Duma deputy and three-time Olympic figure skating champion does not rule out that the situation for the Russian Federation in the context of participation in sports competitions will change for the better.
Rodnina said in an interview with RIA Novosti that today it is difficult to give an accurate assessment regarding Russia’s participation in the 2026 Olympic Games.
First of all, the deputy emphasizes, everything depends on further political events.
Secondly, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will have a new president. Thomas Bach is preparing to step down for a yet-to-be-chosen successor.
Rodnina believes that the change of the head of the IOC could also have a significant impact on this issue: “A new broom always sweeps in a new way.”
The Olympic champion stressed that in this situation all that remains is to wait.
The next Winter Games will be held from 6 to 22 February 2026. The venue will be northern Italy – the cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
