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Russians Race for Olympic Dreams Amidst Controversy
16 Dec
Summary
- Six Russian luge athletes compete as neutral athletes for Olympic qualification.
- Russians return to World Cup racing after a nearly two-year absence.
- Visa issues and athlete comfort mark the path to the Milan Cortina Olympics.
Six Russian luge athletes are participating in the World Cup races at Lake Placid as Individual Neutral Athletes, seeking to earn points for qualification to the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics. This event signifies their return to international competition after an absence of nearly two years, following the International Luge Federation's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The athletes are part of official training sessions alongside competitors from numerous other nations. However, Ukrainian athletes have expressed discomfort with the participation of Russians. The Russians' presence in the World Cup is a result of the International Olympic Committee's recommendation for neutral athletes to have the opportunity to compete.
The Lake Placid races are crucial for the Russian team's Olympic qualification chances, as they need strong performances to enhance their standing. Future qualifying events in Latvia and Germany may pose visa challenges, but U.S. visas have been granted for the current races.
