As of February 11, 2026, Russian and Belarusian climbers are no longer barred from World Climbing events, a suspension that lasted since March 2022. The recent meeting of the World Climbing Executive Board in Torino, Italy, resulted in the reinstatement of both national federations. However, athletes from these countries must now comply with the Neutral Athletes Policy, which prohibits them from representing their nations or participating in any international events hosted by Russia or Belarus.

Under this policy, athletes will participate as Athletes Individuels Neutres (AIN), which translates to “Individual Neutral Athletes.” This designation is specifically intended for competitors from Russia and Belarus at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. According to guidelines laid out by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), these athletes may only compete in an individual capacity, devoid of any national identification.

The IOC’s principles for participation make it clear: only individual neutral athletes who meet specific eligibility criteria are allowed entry into the Games. Furthermore, those who have publicly supported the conflict in Ukraine or are connected to military or national security agencies in their respective countries will be excluded from participation.

Neutral athletes must adhere strictly to their status; they cannot display any national symbols, anthems, or team uniforms. Their results will record under the AIN country code, and they will not accrue National Team World Ranking Points.

Looking ahead, the next World Climbing General Assembly is scheduled for April 2026 in Riyadh. This gathering will include a dedicated session focused on the interplay between sport, international federations, and geopolitical factors, underscoring the complexities facing athletics in today’s world.