At Milan Cortina, Russia and Belarus to Compete as Individual Neutral Athletes
In a move that underscores the complex web of international relations surrounding the war in Ukraine, Russian athletes will compete at this week's Olympic Games under the banner of "Individual Neutral Athletes" (AINs). The designation comes on the heels of similar exclusion from Paris 2024 and follows Russia's invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022.
A total of 13 Russians, including seven female athletes, will participate in just seven events across various disciplines, with the majority taking place in Alpine skiing and figure skating. Notably, this year's Games will see a stark contrast to previous Winter Olympics where Russia has consistently delivered strong performances, often topping medal counts.
The AIN designation is an official move by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which had previously banned Russian athletes due to doping scandals and Russia's involvement in the 2022 Beijing Games. However, when Russia invaded Ukraine just days after the closing ceremony of those Games, the IOC handed down a new punishment, excluding both Russia and Belarus from the Olympics.
Belarus has been accused of providing critical support to Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, prompting the IOC to issue a similar ban to that imposed on Russia. In order to participate as AINs, athletes must undergo an eligibility review process and sign a commitment form stating their respect for the Olympic Charter's "peace mission."
In stark contrast to previous performances by Russian figure skaters, this year's contingent will consist of just two athletes: Petr Gumennik and Adeliia Petrosian. Both are seen as strong contenders to win medals in their respective events.
Despite the bleak outlook for Russia in Milan Cortina, there remains a lingering question about whether the country's Olympic Committee will be reinstated to the global stage anytime soon. With a four-year ban currently in effect following its appeal of previous sanctions, the future of Russian participation in international sports competitions hangs precariously in the balance.
In a move that underscores the complex web of international relations surrounding the war in Ukraine, Russian athletes will compete at this week's Olympic Games under the banner of "Individual Neutral Athletes" (AINs). The designation comes on the heels of similar exclusion from Paris 2024 and follows Russia's invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022.
A total of 13 Russians, including seven female athletes, will participate in just seven events across various disciplines, with the majority taking place in Alpine skiing and figure skating. Notably, this year's Games will see a stark contrast to previous Winter Olympics where Russia has consistently delivered strong performances, often topping medal counts.
The AIN designation is an official move by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which had previously banned Russian athletes due to doping scandals and Russia's involvement in the 2022 Beijing Games. However, when Russia invaded Ukraine just days after the closing ceremony of those Games, the IOC handed down a new punishment, excluding both Russia and Belarus from the Olympics.
Belarus has been accused of providing critical support to Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, prompting the IOC to issue a similar ban to that imposed on Russia. In order to participate as AINs, athletes must undergo an eligibility review process and sign a commitment form stating their respect for the Olympic Charter's "peace mission."
In stark contrast to previous performances by Russian figure skaters, this year's contingent will consist of just two athletes: Petr Gumennik and Adeliia Petrosian. Both are seen as strong contenders to win medals in their respective events.
Despite the bleak outlook for Russia in Milan Cortina, there remains a lingering question about whether the country's Olympic Committee will be reinstated to the global stage anytime soon. With a four-year ban currently in effect following its appeal of previous sanctions, the future of Russian participation in international sports competitions hangs precariously in the balance.
? It feels like they're getting a free pass just because of Ukraine and Belarus's involvement 
. I get that tensions are high, but it's not exactly fair to punish athletes for the actions of their government, you know? 
Meanwhile, Petr Gumennik and Adeliia Petrosian are gonna go out there and crush it in figure skating and Alpine skiing 
. I'm kinda curious to see how this all plays out... will Russia ever be fully reinstated as a competing nation? 
just heard that Ukraine is struggling with a severe power outage affecting millions of people... no backup generators or power grid infrastructure to rely on 
how are they gonna survive like this? 
... can't help but wonder if belarus is getting a fair shake too 
. So basically Russia and Belarus are showing up at the Olympics under some new "Individual Neutral Athletes" thingy. It's like they're saying 'you know what, we're not part of Team Russia/Team Belarus anymore, we're just solo athletes now'. I get that politics are complex and all, but it's still weird seeing them compete separately.
️.
I'm so confused about why they had to be banned in the first place. Like, can't we just let athletes compete without all this drama?! 
And what even is an Individual Neutral Athlete anyway? Sounds like a total mouthful... anywayz, I'm hyped for Petr Gumennik and Adeliia Petrosian tho!!! 
They're gonna slay the game! 