With just 23 days to go until the Milano‑Cortina Winter Olympics, excitement is ramping up. But so is tension among some athletes, as something is happening behind the scenes this year, that could change the way we think about clean sport. Well, for the first time in Olympic history, the Games are introducing a new approach to anti-doping that goes beyond the usual testing methods.

According to recent reports, the International Testing Agency (ITA) is finalizing an agreement with Italian customs and the Ministry of Justice to take a proactive stance. As part of this plan, officials will have the authority to inspect athletes’ luggage upon arrival in Italy. The aim to catch banned substances before they reach competition areas.

ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen explained, “We need to be ready to test the right substances, on the right athletes, at the right moment.” Traditionally, testing happens during or after Olympic competitions, but this approach seeks to stop violations before they even reach the venues. The ITA is also focusing on better coordination with international sport federations, including skiing, biathlon, ice hockey, and curling.

While these federations continue to run their own programs, Cohen noted that closer collaboration is essential to handle the complexity of antidoping effectively. “The major federations have their own systems,” he said, “I wouldn’t say they’re doing a poor job, they have very capable people. But the fight against doping is so complex that we really should be working together.”

In addition, the WADA has appointed Independent Observer teams to monitor the antidoping process at the Games. Their role is to ensure transparency and fairness, so athletes, fans, and officials can trust that the competition is clean and equal for everyone. Interestingly, Athletes and their support staff will receive workshops, online courses and other resources to make sure they understand the rules and the consequences when it comes to doping.

But there are also other rules and regulations that extend beyond traditional forms of competition.

Integrity and eligibility rules take center stage at Milano‑Cortina 2026

The International Olympic Committee has established a Joint Integrity Unit that will be present during the Games from 30 January to 24 February 2026. They are responsible for overseeing and managing matters of integrity such as corruption, fraud, manipulation of competitions, and unethical conduct by accredited personnel and officials.

Giuseppe Deleonardis, IOC Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, explained: “Integrity breaches can take many forms, from competition manipulation to bribery or unethical behaviour by accredited individuals. Should criminal elements be involved we will work with the Italian authorities, police and justice system, to share any relevant information.”

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Athlete eligibility is another change. As most of the athletes will be representing their respective nations, but some competitors in Russia will compete under the Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN) status. This implies that they are not allowed to show national symbols or participate in the flag procession at the opening and close ceremony.

To gain this neutral position, athletes have to pass rigorous requirements, such as not being connected to military or security services and having no political beliefs in favor of the war in Ukraine.

With all these changes, Milano Cortina Olympics are not merely about medals, but about fairness, integrity and clean competition.