Anton Schipulin, a former Russian biathlete, made headlines by refusing to return his Olympic gold medal from the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had previously stripped the Russian team of the medal due to doping allegations, which has led to calls for its return. Schipulin stated that he would only return the medal under certain conditions, raising questions about the ongoing controversies surrounding doping in sports and the responsibilities of athletes after being sanctioned.

In the live blog covering the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, more updates were shared about other athletes, including a Norwegian athlete, McGrath, who explained his dramatic escape into the woods. Additionally, German biathlete Vinzenz Geiger seems to have diminished chances for a medal after the ski jumping events, showcasing the competitive nature and emotional stakes involved in the Olympics.

This refusal to return the medal by Schipulin highlights the lingering impact of doping scandals in sports, especially given the increasing scrutiny from international bodies like the IOC. As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, discussions about athlete integrity, national pride, and the legacies of past Games continue to resonate within and beyond the community of competitive sports.