Alex Ovechkin comments on being banned from the Olympics
Alex Ovechkin may have just one more chance to play in the Olympics, but with Russia's ban, that chance may now pass him by.
For years now, Russia has been banned from competing in the Olympics and any international hockey tournaments, and while it makes sense, it has robbed hockey fans of seeing some star studded battles. With the 2026 Winter Olympics upon us in just 18 months, the IIHF will reportedly make a decision on Russia and Belarus next May, and then we will learn the fate of Russian hockey ahead of the NHL's return to the Olympics.
Now, veteran Russian superstar Alex Ovechkin has commented on the ban, revealing that he'd love to compete for Olympic gold, but expresses that the uncertainty extends to everyone involved in the situation.
"In theory, yes, but you see what is happening with our team now. They are not allowing us to participate in the World Championships or the Olympics, so I don't know how this will all happen.»
With the war still ongoing, it's unclear exactly when Russian teams will be allowed to return to competition, and with Ovechkin now 38-years of age, this may be his last opportunity to win a prestigious gold medal. There's still plenty of time for things to change, but as of right now it doesn't look great, as all signs are pointing to the ban continuing, with Ovechkin and other Russian NHL stars set to miss out on the major event again.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 29 | 485 ANSWERS Alex Ovechkin comments on being banned from the Olympics Will Russia be cleared to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics? | ||
| Yes | 89 | 18.4 % |
| No | 396 | 81.6 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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