Russian Luge Athletes Dropped from Lake Placid World Cup Amid Neutrality Concerns
Image Source: Internet
In a sudden twist, the International Luge Federation (FIL) has withdrawn the eligibility of three Russian athletes from this weekend's World Cup in Lake Placid, New York. The decision, announced on Tuesday, affects Alexsandr Gorbatsevich, Sofiia Mazur, and Kseniia Shamova, who were hoping to move closer to qualifying for the Milan Cortina Olympics. According to sources, the FIL's executive board made the move after being presented with new evidence that raised concerns over the athletes' neutrality regarding Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While the nature of the evidence remains unclear, it has sparked a review process to ensure that Russian athletes do not support the war or have ties to Russia's military. The neutrality issue is crucial for Russian athletes to compete in the Olympics, with some sports federations planning to let them participate only after clearing an independent review. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) aims to give Russian athletes the opportunity to compete as neutrals at the Milan Cortina Games. Notably, other Russian luge athletes, including Matvei Perestoronin, Pavel Repilov, and Daria Olesik, are still expected to compete in Lake Placid this weekend. The FIL and other sports governing bodies had initially banned Russian participation in World Cup luge races after the country's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The IOC's stance on Russian athletes competing as neutrals has been a subject of debate, with some sports initially refusing to allow them to participate. However, after appeals, the decision was amended, paving the way for Russian athletes to compete under certain conditions.
