The Russian Olympic Committee is preparing for the 2026 Winter Olympics, with potentially 15-20 neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus. The International Olympic Committee has confirmed eligibility for some athletes, including figure skaters. However, the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, and the International Luge Federation have not allowed neutral athletes to participate. The International Skating Union has opened pathways, while the International Ski Mountaineering Federation opened qualification pathways in December.

The International Testing Agency (ITA) initiated its pre-Games anti-doping program for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, with testing recommendations sent to global anti-doping organizations. The program aims for strategic, risk-based testing, complementing efforts by IFs, NADOs and RADOs and will conclude with the Olympic Villages opening on January 30, 2026. The ITA's previous efforts saw 80% implementation of testing recommendations ahead of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. WADA and Benjamin Cohen also provided comments.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry engaged with key stakeholders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, to discuss support for Ukraine and its athletes, and created four working groups focused on the Youth Olympic Games, Olympic programme, protecting the female category, and commercial partnerships and marketing as part of the "Fit For The Future" process. She also welcomed delegations from the NOC of Botswana and the Ugandan NOC, discussing preparations for Dakar 2026 and mental health initiatives, respectively. Meetings were held with the International Fencing Federation (FIE) and Alibaba to discuss preparations for upcoming Games and digital strategy. Allyson Felix's film was screened at the Olympic Museum, and a wreath was laid at Pierre de Coubertin's tomb. Other Olympic news included collaborative action grants for refugee support, a medal design call for Dakar 2026, and a Lacoste Olympic Heritage apparel range.

IOC President Thomas Bach met with delegations from the NOC of Palestine and the NOC of Rwanda to discuss Paris 2024 participation and Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 preparations. He also met with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) President Fabio Azevedo, and World Triathlon President-elect Antonio F. Arimany. Bach participated in a video conference with athlete representatives, opened the ISMF Ski Mountaineering World Championships, and met with IOC Athletes’ Commission member Abhinav Bindra. The IOC is promoting gender equality with the 2024 IOC Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Champions Award and promoting opportunities for women in sports in line with International Women's Day 2025. The IOC also announced its Tech365 Explore think tank, in collaboration with Beyond Sport and Women Win.