Winter Olympics 2026: Russian athletes linked to pro-war activity

The final decision on whether the four athletes could compete in Milan-Cortina was taken by the IOC’s Individual Neutral Athlete Eligibility Review Panel.

Watanabe sits on the panel as the representative of international sports federations, by virtue of his role as president of World Gymnastics. He was also a candidate in last year’s IOC presidential election.

In March 2025, Watanabe was filmed embracing Nagorny during a visit to Moscow.

Nagorny, an Olympic gold medallist at the Tokyo Games, has been a prominent supporter of Russia’s war in Ukraine.

He served as head of Yunarmiya, Russia’s youth military organisation, between 2020 and 2024 and has been sanctioned by the UK, European Union and United States, external.

The UK sanctions notice accuses Nagorny of involvement in the forced deportation and re-education of Ukrainian children.

“It’s crazy,” said Heraskevych, who held up a ‘No War’ sign at the Beijing Games.

“He’s still hugging this person and still friendly with him. And then he decides whether these Russians are guilty or not guilty, whether they are engaged in the war or not.”

World Gymnastics, responding on behalf of Watanabe, said it would not comment on the IOC panel or its decisions.

It said Watanabe’s visit to Russia “took place a few days after he visited Ukraine” and that its purpose “was to show support to athletes affected by the war, on both sides”.

“Mr Nagorny has not been allowed to participate in World Gymnastics competitions since the beginning of the conflict,” it added.