In the Milano-Cortina Winter Games, Russian figure skater Petr Gumennik’s fans showed support with colorful posters and “Team Gumennik” attire, choosing to back him without referencing his country. Contesting as a neutral athlete under the IOC’s regulations, Gumennik, 23, expressed a desire for future Olympic appearances beyond his debut. Alongside 13 fellow Russian and seven Belarusian athletes also competing neutrally, Gumennik’s participation reflects ongoing restrictions on Russia in international sports due to a doping scandal and the recent Ukraine invasion.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it faced continued exclusion from major competitions for over a decade. The aftermath of the Sochi Games doping scandal led to bans on Russian flag display at the 2018 Olympics. The subsequent invasion of Ukraine in 2022 further isolated Russia, prompting the IOC to allow neutral athlete entries under strict conditions. Despite objections from Ukraine, the majority of athletes support separating sport from political conflicts.
Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Winter Olympics adhered to stringent vetting procedures to compete neutrally, ensuring no war-related affiliations or public statements. While individual athletes gained entry, Russian teams were completely excluded, including in hockey. Limited TV coverage in Russia and the absence of team sports at the Games have led to decreased interest among the Russian public, according to sports journalist Vladimir Ivanov.
Russian officials have shifted their stance towards neutral athlete participation, with support extended even if athletes compete without national symbols. Despite initial reservations, athletes have embraced neutral status, acknowledging the opportunity to compete. Amid calls for Russian athletes’ reinstatement, ongoing sanctions restrict broader national participation in international sports events.
Ukrainian athletes at the Milano-Cortina Games have voiced concerns over Russian presence, citing the ongoing conflict and its impact on their participation. Expressing solidarity with her country at war, Ukrainian speed skater Yelyzaveta Sydorko criticized the allowance of Russian athletes, highlighting the challenging circumstances faced by Ukrainian athletes amidst the conflict.
The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry anticipates the reinstatement of the Russian Olympic Committee, supported by international sports federations. While Russian officials have softened their stance on neutral participation, tensions persist, with threats of repercussions against athletes competing for other nations. Despite calls for reinstatement, the IOC continues to uphold existing sanctions on Russia and Belarus in international sports competitions.