Some individual athletes from the banned countries will be permitted to participate in the Milano Cortina Winter Games

At least a dozen athletes will represent AIN at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Here's what it has to do with the ROC, Russia and the country's doping scandal.

Thirteen athletes from Russia will compete in Italy, but they will do so without flags, anthems or a place in the medal standings.

Russia is not competing as a country at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has kept its ban on Russia because of ongoing political and sports rule issues.

Though Olympics viewers missed out on artistic gymnastics Friday, the unique, one-day trampoline gymnastics event took place, with two of the event's medalists leaving many fans with questions.

Nearly 100 countries are represented at the 2026 Olympics. But Russia and its ally Belarus won't be in the Opening Ceremony. Here's why they're banned. (AP Photo)

They're three of 20 athletes competing under the "AIN" abbreviation at the Games. While some have wondered if "AIN" represents a country, it might be a reasonable assumption, but that's not what the label stands for.

Ukraine has backed a call for a ceasefire in the war with Russia during the Winter Olympics after Italy and Pope Leo urged world leaders to use the Milano Cortina games to further peace.