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.

The International Testing Agency (ITA) has appointed Dagmawit Girmay Berhane as the IOC representative to its Foundation Board, succeeding Uğur Erdener. Berhane, recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women in 2023, previously served as president of the Ethiopian Olympic Committee and holds positions within the IOC. The ITA also reviewed its 2023–2026 strategic plan, with 91% of projects completed or underway, and discussed contributions to the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code. They also congratulated Kirsty Coventry on her election as IOC president and thanked outgoing President Thomas Bach.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry addressed the International Skating Union (ISU) Extraordinary Congress, praising the ISU's Vision 2030 and constitutional reforms, including the establishment of an Integrity Unit. She also welcomed officials from India, Canada, the International Testing Agency (ITA), and the Capital University for Physical Education and Sport (CUPES) at Olympic House, discussing various topics, including anti-doping preparations for Milano Cortina 2026. She also discussed various Olympic topics with IOC Members.