Concerns have been raised regarding the eligibility of several Russian athletes cleared to compete as neutral participants at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Evidence reviewed by BBC Sport reveals that some of these athletes have connections to activities supportive of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved 13 athletes to participate as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs). Their eligibility was determined by a three-member IOC panel, which was tasked with assessing whether individuals had actively supported the war through actions such as social media posts or participation in pro-war demonstrations. Those found to have engaged in such activities were deemed ineligible.
Recent findings from the Molfar Intelligence Institute and investigative journalist Artem Khudolieiev have sparked questions about the selection process, suggesting that certain approved athletes may not adhere to the IOC’s broad eligibility criteria. Additionally, a concerning incident involving Morinari Watanabe, one panel member, who was filmed embracing a Russian gymnast previously sanctioned for his role in supporting the war, has further fueled scrutiny over the vetting process.
Vladyslav Heraskevych, Ukraine’s flag-bearer for the opening ceremony, expressed the importance of a thorough review of the IOC’s neutral athlete eligibility framework. He emphasized that athletes preparing for competition in occupied territories or openly supporting the war cannot truly be considered neutral, stating, “It’s definitely not right to call them neutral because they’re not.”
While the IOC has refrained from commenting on individual cases, they reiterated that the panel reviewed all athletes according to guidelines established by its executive board.
As the Winter Olympics approach, this situation underscores ongoing tensions amid the geopolitical climate and highlights the complexities of maintaining neutrality in sports. The IOC’s response to these concerns will be closely monitored as the event unfolds.