The upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympic Games mark a continuation of the exclusion of Russian athletes from international sport, a consequence of the country's state-supported doping scandals and, more recently, its invasion of Ukraine. This situation has resulted in the International Olympic Committee (IOC), led by president Kirsty Coventry, enabling Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate under a neutral designation known as Authorised Neutral Athletes (AIN), restricting national colors and symbols. Despite this classification, the athletes' country of origin is clearly known, raising questions about the fairness of their participation.

In these games, 13 athletes from Russia and seven from Belarus are competing, with notable performances being highlighted, such as skier Savely Korostelyov achieving a fourth-place finish in the 10+10 km skiathlon for the AIN delegation. As the Games progress, hopes are particularly pinned on the women's figure skating event, where Adelina Petrosyan is currently in fifth place after the short program. The ongoing involvement of Russian athletes continues to stir controversy within the sporting community, indicating the challenges the IOC faces in balancing inclusion and condemnation of national transgressions.

The implications of allowing Russian athletes to compete under neutral status are profound, as it raises difficult ethical questions within the Olympic movement about national representation and the integrity of the Games. The potential success of these athletes in Milan-Cortina could further complicate discussions around the future of international sports sanctions against nations that violate global norms, particularly in light of Russia's actions in Ukraine. As such, the response to these events is likely to influence international sporting policies moving forward, highlighting a complex intersection of sport, nationalism, and geopolitical tensions.