Olympic Hopefuls: Neutral Athletes from Russia and Belarus Eye Milano Cortina

Nine Russian and Belarusian athletes have been granted Individual Neutral Athletes status, allowing them to compete in qualifiers for the Milano Cortina Olympics. The list includes notable athletes like Hanna Huskova and Anastasia Tatalina. The decision follows an appeal by the Russian Ski Association to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has granted Individual Neutral Athletes status to nine Russian and Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete in qualifying events for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. This development permits renowned athletes, such as Belarusian freestyle skiing aerialist Hanna Huskova and Russia's Anastasia Tatalina, to participate in the competition.

Other athletes on the AIN list include Belarusian competitors Anastasiya Andryianava, Anna Derugo, Ihar Drabiankou, Maria Shkanova, and Uladzislau Vazniuk, as well as Russians Savelii Korostelev and Dariya Nepryaeva. The FIS stated that the list will be updated as more eligibility reviews are completed in the coming weeks.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport previously ruled that Russian and Belarusian athletes should be allowed in FIS qualifications if they meet specific criteria set by the International Olympic Committee. This decision follows the appeal by the Russian Ski Association and the Belarusian Ski Union against the FIS council's initial ban.

(With inputs from agencies.)