Russian and Belarusian skaters qualify for the World Championships in Tampere

The decision ends the ban that has been in effect since February 2022, which was imposed by the ISU due to the war of aggression started by Russia in Ukraine.

Neutral athletes compete without national emblems, such as national flags and national anthems. An athlete cannot get neutral status if he has connections with the Russian military, has participated in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, or has otherwise supported war efforts.

The ISU also takes into account the instructions of the International Olympic Committee, according to which restrictions on the participation of Belarusian athletes are no longer recommended.

The Russians Adelija Petrosyan and Pjotr ​​Gumennik were allowed to compete in the Milano Cortina Olympics as neutral athletes. Also Belarusian Victoria Safonava competed in the Olympics as a neutral athlete.

The sports covered by the International Skating Federation include figure skating, speed skating and short track. The World Figure Skating Championships will be held in Tampere next March.

South Korea will organize the next Short Track World Championships and China will host the Speed ​​Skating World Championships.

The AP news agency points out in his newsthat the visa practices of the organizing countries may still affect the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes.

Last winter, the Russian skiers who participated in the Salpausselkä Games already had the status of neutral athletes Saveli Korosteljov and Darja Neprjajeva.