IOC Approves Two More Russian Athletes for Milan Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved two additional Russian athletes to compete at the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games under neutral status. This decision brings the total number of Russian athletes confirmed as eligible to five, along with one athlete from Belarus, ahead of the Games set to begin on February 6, 2024.

Neutral Status for Winter Games Athletes

The two newly approved athletes, Ivan Posashkov and Alena Krylova, join a select group of competitors who will participate without national identification, including team colors, flags, or anthems. They are also prohibited from joining the athlete parades during the opening ceremony. Posashkov, a 21-year-old, will compete in the men’s 1,000-meter event, while 23-year-old Krylova will participate in the women’s 500 meters.

The granting of neutral status is reserved for athletes who have not actively supported Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and are not affiliated with military or state security agencies. This vetting process is conducted initially by the relevant winter sports governing body, followed by verification by a panel of three IOC members, including former NBA star Pau Gasol.

Previous Approvals and Future Prospects

Prior to this announcement, the IOC had already approved Russian figure skaters Adeliia Petrosian, a strong contender for medals, and Petr Gumennik, as well as Nikita Filippov in ski mountaineering. Additionally, Belarusian figure skater Viktoriia Safonova has also met the eligibility criteria.

As the Milan Cortina Games approach, it is anticipated that more Russian and Belarusian athletes, particularly in disciplines such as Alpine and cross-country skiing, will be added to the list of approved competitors this month. This marks a significant return for Russian athletes to international winter sports competitions, following a hiatus that began after the escalation of conflict in Ukraine in February 2022.

Despite these approvals, Russia remains excluded from participating in team sports at the Olympics, including ice hockey, similar to their status at the upcoming 2024 Paris Summer Games.

This development highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding sports and international relations, as the IOC navigates its policies amid geopolitical tensions while striving to uphold the spirit of the Olympic Games.