Adelija Petrosjana is a representative of Russia at the upcoming Milan–Cortina Olympic Games, categorized as a 'neutral' athlete by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). However, her participation and that of other Russian athletes have sparked controversies, especially in light of their background and training environments that are heavily influenced by Russia's ongoing political context. Petrosjana's track record includes primarily competing in domestic competitions, bringing into question the legitimacy of her designation as neutral, as she has rarely been seen performing on international stages.

Accompanying Petrosjana is her coach, Eteri Tutberidze, whose training methods and governance have been under scrutiny. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had previously expressed disapproval of Tutberidze, suggesting a broader issue related to compliance with international sports regulations. Interestingly, despite the allegations against her, Tutberidze has managed to circumvent certain regulations by securing accreditation through the Georgian delegation rather than the Russian, which illustrates the complexities surrounding athlete representation and eligibility in the current geopolitical climate.

The challenges faced by athletes like Petrosjana underscore a larger narrative concerning the intersection of sports and politics, particularly with how international bodies like the IOC navigate the implications of allowing athletes from nations deemed aggressors participation in global events while maintaining a facade of neutrality. This scenario may set a precedent that complicates the integrity of international sports, as nations and individuals wrestle with the fallout of national identity and representation on the world stage.