Russian, Belarusian Skiers Cleared for 2026 Games

Nine athletes from Russia and Belarus have been approved to compete in qualifying events for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, marking a significant return to international competition. These athletes, including Olympic and world champions, have been granted neutral status by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. Their participation is contingent upon not having publicly supported the war in Ukraine and having no ties to military or state security agencies.

Among those approved is Belarusian freestyle skier Hanna Huskova, a gold medalist from the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics and a silver medalist from Beijing 2022. Russian athletes Anastasia Tatalina, a Big Air world champion, and cross-country skiers Savelii Korostelev and Dariya Nepryaeva also received neutral status. This development follows a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport that compelled the FIS to process their applications.

However, challenges may still arise for these athletes, particularly concerning visa approvals for World Cup circuit events. The decision allows them to compete in qualifying events for the 2026 Games, but their eligibility will be strictly monitored based on their adherence to the established criteria regarding public support for the war and military affiliations.