The International Luge Federation (FIL) announced Tuesday that it has withdrawn the eligibility of Alexsandr Gorbatsevich, Sofiia Mazur and Kseniia Shamova, who had planned to compete in the Lake Placid, New York, World Cup this weekend. The decision was made by the federation’s executive board after “new evidence” was presented and discussed with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) among others.
Evidence and Neutrality Concerns
FIL officials did not disclose the specifics of the evidence, but a person familiar with the situation told the Associated Press that it called into question the neutrality of the three athletes regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The source, who wished to remain anonymous, said the evidence was discussed with the IOC during the review process.
The Independent Review Process
The IOC requires that Russian athletes who wish to compete as neutral competitors undergo an independent review to ensure they have not publicly supported the war and are not affiliated with Russia’s military or other forces. The FIL’s decision reflects that scrutiny, as the federation is responsible for determining which Russian athletes are allowed a chance to qualify for the Olympics.
Impact on Russian Luge Participation
For the Lake Placid event, Russian sliders Matvei Perestoronin, Pavel Repilov and Daria Olesik remain eligible to compete. All three participated in official training on Tuesday and are expected to train again on Wednesday before likely taking part in a Nations Cup race Thursday. The Nations Cup is a qualifying race for those not automatically assured of a spot in the World Cup field.
Context: Olympic Neutrality Rules
The IOC wants Russians to have the opportunity to compete as neutral athletes at the Milan Cortina Games. Luge, like some other sports, originally refused to allow any Russians to take part this year, then amended those decisions after appeals. The FIL’s recent actions illustrate the tension between the federation’s policies and the IOC’s neutral athlete framework.
Historical Absence from World Cup
Russians have not taken part in a World Cup luge race since January 2022, a response that the FIL and other sports governing bodies had to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The recent removal of three athletes underscores the ongoing impact of the geopolitical situation on international competition.
The Role of the IOC
The IOC’s involvement in the review process highlights its broader strategy to allow Russian athletes to compete in the Olympics without representing Russia. This approach is part of a wider effort to maintain fairness and neutrality in international sports amid political conflict.
Future Implications for Russian Athletes
The FIL’s decision may influence how other Russian athletes prepare for upcoming events. Those who remain eligible, such as Perestoronin, Repilov and Olesik, will need to continue training and competing in Nations Cup races to secure a place in the World Cup field and potentially the Olympic Games.
Key Takeaways
- Three Russian lugers were removed from the Lake Placid World Cup roster after new evidence raised neutrality concerns.
- The IOC and FIL require an independent review to ensure Russian athletes have not publicly supported the war or joined Russian military forces.
- Remaining Russian athletes will compete in training and Nations Cup races, continuing to pursue Olympic qualification as neutral competitors.
The FIL’s action demonstrates the strict enforcement of neutrality rules for Russian athletes, reinforcing the IOC’s commitment to fair competition at the upcoming Milan Cortina Games.
