Russian Athletes Return to Global Stage Under Strict Neutrality Rules
For almost four years, Russian competitors have been absent from most international sports events. This exclusion started after Russia began its war in Ukraine in 2022. The ban meant Russian athletes were nearly invisible at the Paris Summer Olympics. Now, the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics present a different picture. Russia is not making a complete comeback, but a small window has opened for some athletes.
Neutral Status with No National Symbols
These selected athletes will not represent Russia officially. They will participate as Individual Neutral Athletes following strict International Olympic Committee guidelines. The rules are tight and allow only a few to pass the screening process. This limited inclusion shows how controlled Russia's Olympic involvement remains as we approach the 2026 Games.
Two Speed Skaters Get the Green Light
According to the Associated Press, the IOC has officially approved two Russian short track speed skaters for the Winter Olympics. Ivan Posashkov, 21, and Alena Krylova, 23, will race as Individual Neutral Athletes. They cannot use any national symbols, display the Russian flag, or join the opening ceremony when the Games start on February 6.
Krylova will compete in the 500m event. She currently holds the title of Russian champion in both the 500m and 1,000m races. Posashkov will take part in the 1,000m race. He recently won stages of the Russian Cup relay final. Both athletes also participated in World Tour events during 2025, which helped them qualify for the Olympics.
Rigorous Neutrality Review Process
The approval for these athletes came only after they passed a strict neutrality review. The IOC requires athletes to demonstrate they did not support Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They must also have no connections to the military or state security services. All standard Olympic qualification and anti-doping rules still apply fully.
Each athlete underwent review first by their sport's governing body. After that, three IOC members examined their cases separately. This multi-layered process ensures only truly neutral athletes can compete.
Figure Skating Faces Even Tighter Restrictions
Figure skating received particularly strict treatment. The rules allowed only one neutral skater per discipline to attempt qualification. Russia's pairs and ice dance teams failed the neutrality screening completely. As a result, Russia had no entries in those events at the Beijing Olympic qualifier in September 2025.
Two singles skaters managed to succeed where others failed. Adeliia Petrosian and Petr Gumennik qualified as neutral athletes. Petrosian is a three-time Russian national champion and has won the Russian Grand Prix Final three times. Gumennik is the 2026 Russian national champion and earned a bronze medal at the 2020 Rostelecom Cup.
Two other skaters were named as reserves. Vladislav Dikidzhi and Alina Gorbacheva did not compete but remain first alternates if needed during the Games.
Limited Presence Highlights IOC's Firm Stance
The entire process underscores how limited Russia's Olympic presence remains. Every athlete allowed to compete had to clear multiple layers of careful checks. At the Milan-Cortina Games, participation is not about nationality. Instead, it focuses entirely on strict neutrality and eligibility under IOC rules.
The small number of approved athletes shows the IOC's continued firm stance. While some Russian competitors will appear in Milan-Cortina, they do so without national representation. Their participation comes with significant restrictions that maintain the spirit of the original bans.
