Russia's Olympic Hopefuls Cleared to Compete as Neutrals in Milan Winter Games

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In a move that could shake up the figure skating competition at the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has given approval to three Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals. Among them is 18-year-old Adeliia Petrosian, who has shown immense potential by winning an Olympic qualifying event in Beijing in September. Petrosian's coach, Eteri Tutberidze, was a subject of controversy during the Beijing Olympics. The approval comes as the IOC continues its vetting process for Russian and Belarusian athletes, ensuring they meet strict eligibility criteria. Athletes must not have supported the invasion of Ukraine and must not have ties to Russian or Belarusian military and state security agencies. The three athletes, including Russian singles champion Petr Gumennik and Belarusian Viktoriia Safonova, have agreed to respect the Olympic Charter and accept their individual invitations. This decision marks a significant development in the build-up to the Milan Winter Games, which are set to take place in February next year.