After a period of initial restraint, Russian state television has shifted its approach to the coverage of Russian athletes competing at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. These athletes, who have been competing as neutrals or under other flags due to geopolitical tensions stemming from the invasion of Ukraine, were largely overlooked by Russian media at the onset of the Games. However, this trend appears to be changing as the state outlet highlights their performances, which include significant achievements.

A notable moment in this renewed coverage was when Channel One led its primetime news with a report on Russian ski mountaineer Nikita Filippov, who won a silver medal—marking the first medal for an Individual Neutral Athlete at this year's Winter Olympics. The acknowledgment of Filippov's success reflects a notable shift in the narrative surrounding these athletes and suggests a possible strategic intention by Russian media to celebrate national talent, even in a context where official representation is altered.

This pivot in narrative not only serves to uplift the athletes but also has implications for national sentiment, as it allows the Russian public to take pride in their athletes' accomplishments amidst the broader political challenges. Celebrating such victories could also be seen as an attempt to foster a sense of unity and resilience within the country, reinforcing the idea that sports transcend political barriers, at least in public perception.