Russia to Compete as Individual Neutral Athletes at Milan Cortina Olympics, Not Under Russian Flag
For the second consecutive Olympic Games, Russia will not compete under its own flag. Instead, 13 athletes will participate as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) alongside seven Belarusian competitors at the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics, which begin this Friday.
The decision to exclude Russia and Belarus from competing under their respective flags comes in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has maintained a ban on both nations due to their support for the war, prompting them to compete separately as AINs.
To qualify, athletes must undergo an Individual Neutral Athlete Eligibility Review Panel review and sign a Conditions of Participation form committing themselves to respect the Olympic Charter's "peace mission." Additionally, they must prove that they are not actively supporting the war in Ukraine.
Russia has historically been one of the strongest performers at the Winter Olympics, earning 32 medals at the 2022 Games, including five gold. This year, Russian athletes will participate in just seven events: two in Alpine skiing, two in cross-country skiing, two in figure skating, two in luge, and three in short track.
One notable exception is figure skater Adeliia Petrosian, who is considered one of the likeliest AINs to medal. The Court of Arbitration for Sport suspended Kamila Valieva, Russia's teenage figure skating phenom, for four years starting in 2021, following a doping scandal.
The decision by the IOC comes as a new round of peace talks is scheduled for this week. While US efforts have been unsuccessful so far, the designation of AINs represents a continued effort to exclude nations implicated in international conflicts from participating under their national flags.
It remains to be seen how Russia will fare at the Milan Cortina Olympics under these conditions. The country's athletic achievements will depend on individual performances and whether they can overcome the obstacles imposed by the IOC's ban.
For the second consecutive Olympic Games, Russia will not compete under its own flag. Instead, 13 athletes will participate as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs) alongside seven Belarusian competitors at the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics, which begin this Friday.
The decision to exclude Russia and Belarus from competing under their respective flags comes in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has maintained a ban on both nations due to their support for the war, prompting them to compete separately as AINs.
To qualify, athletes must undergo an Individual Neutral Athlete Eligibility Review Panel review and sign a Conditions of Participation form committing themselves to respect the Olympic Charter's "peace mission." Additionally, they must prove that they are not actively supporting the war in Ukraine.
Russia has historically been one of the strongest performers at the Winter Olympics, earning 32 medals at the 2022 Games, including five gold. This year, Russian athletes will participate in just seven events: two in Alpine skiing, two in cross-country skiing, two in figure skating, two in luge, and three in short track.
One notable exception is figure skater Adeliia Petrosian, who is considered one of the likeliest AINs to medal. The Court of Arbitration for Sport suspended Kamila Valieva, Russia's teenage figure skating phenom, for four years starting in 2021, following a doping scandal.
The decision by the IOC comes as a new round of peace talks is scheduled for this week. While US efforts have been unsuccessful so far, the designation of AINs represents a continued effort to exclude nations implicated in international conflicts from participating under their national flags.
It remains to be seen how Russia will fare at the Milan Cortina Olympics under these conditions. The country's athletic achievements will depend on individual performances and whether they can overcome the obstacles imposed by the IOC's ban.
It's weird how the IOC is still going through this drama, even after two years of Russia not competing under its flag at the Olympics... Meanwhile, the athletes are just trying to get their medals and have a decent time in Milan 
I mean, can't they just focus on the sports for once? 
But seriously, it makes sense that they can't compete under their own flag anymore. It's not fair to the other athletes and the Olympic spirit is all about peace and unity.
She's definitely a dark horse in figure skating events. But even if she doesn't medal, it's not the end of the world for Russia - they'll still get to show off their athletic talents and maybe even surprise people with some gold.
. It's kinda cool that figure skater Adeliia Petrosian might have a shot at a medal tho, she seems like the only one who can bring some decent Russian flavor to this Olympics 
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, can you even believe that Russia is going to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes at the Olympics? Like, I get it with all the drama and politics and stuff, but still... 13 athletes gonna be like "hey, we're not Russian, we just wanna skate/ski/figure skate" 
. It's wild that they have to do this whole eligibility review thing too, like, what even is that? 
And poor Kamila Valieva, she was such a talented skater... 
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️. I mean, I get it, Ukraine and all that, but can't we just focus on the sports for once? And what about Belarus too? Are they just gonna be stuck in neutral forever? 
But let's not forget, she's got a lot to prove too – can she medal without the Russian flag on her shoulders? 
it's complex... 
If I had to choose, I'd say the IOC is being way too strict and it's affecting Russian athletes' careers, but on the other hand, I don't want anyone supporting Ukraine in a war 
Ugh, my brain hurts trying to decide...