IOC Clears Two Russian Figure Skaters for 2026 Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has issued an official statement confirming the participation of Russian figure skaters Adelia Petrosian and Petr Gumennik in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. According to the organization's official website, the athletes have been given the opportunity to travel to Italy, which was long-awaited news for figure skating fans.

However, the Olympic ticket was issued with specific preconditions. The athletes will compete exclusively in a neutral status. They are required to sign the special conditions of participation, which are mandatory for all participants of the 2026 Games. This document includes the obligation to strictly adhere to the Olympic Charter, one of the key points of which is the preservation of the "peacekeeping mission of the Olympic Movement."

This process began back in September 2025, when Russians were allowed to participate in the Olympic qualification round, but with a strict limitation: only in singles skating. At that time, at the qualifying tournament in Beijing, both Adelia Petrosian and Petr Gumennik achieved brilliant results, taking first places. Despite the victory, a separate approval from a special IOC commission was required for the final ticket to the Olympics, which has now been received.

At the moment, Petrosian and Gumennik have become the first Russians to be officially allowed to travel to Italy, although according to IOC decisions, the list may be expanded later. In addition to them, Belarusian figure skater Viktoria Safonova has also received permission to travel to Italy.

It is worth recalling that the 2026 Winter Olympic Games will be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo from February 6 to 22.