IOC refuses to remove Russian media manager from key venue for Ukraine at 2026 Olympics

The International Olympic Committee has refused a request by Ukrainian journalists to remove Russian citizen Olga Laeva as media manager at the biathlon venue in Antholz-Anterselva for the 2026 Olympic Games.

Source: IOC press service

Details: In response to a collective appeal from Ukrainian journalists, the IOC said it has no authority to take a political position, adding that there are no legal restrictions in Italy that prevent Russian citizens from working within the framework of the Games.

Quote: "In line with the principles of neutrality that characterise the Olympic Movement, it is not within our remit to enter or express positions on matters of geopolitical nature, especially when they concern situations of such scale, complexity and human impact. We would also like to underline that there are no legal restrictions in Italy that prevent a person of Russian nationality from being engaged within the framework of the Games."

Details: The IOC said Laeva was selected based on her professional merits.

Quote: "The selection of Ms Olga Laeva has followed the same rigorous, professional and merit-based evaluation process applied to all international and national candidates working at the Games. The assessment focused exclusively on professional expertise, previous experience in major sport events, interpersonal qualities, and suitability for the specific role. We can confirm that Ms Laeva is regarded internally as a highly capable professional, with extensive experience in venue media operations and a solid track record in international sporting contexts."

More details: Laeva's views on Russia's ban from international sport are those typically held by Russians, but they are very strange for this position regarding the global Olympic movement. Laeva had planned to work at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, but she was later removed from the team.

The Russian has previously claimed that the global Olympic movement is in decline. Asked by a propaganda journalist how she feels about the Russian alternative to the Olympics – the Friendship Games – given that "the Olympic movement is in crisis", Laeva replied: "I agree, this is an objective fact. The number of countries willing to host the Olympic Games is decreasing."

Background:

• The day before, Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladislav Heraskevich appeared at the official training session for the 2026 Olympics wearing a helmet covered with images of athletes who have died as a result of Russian aggression.
• Later, Heraskevych said that the International Olympic Committee had banned the use of this helmet in future competitions, but he would fight for the right to wear it.

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