IOC lifts ban on Belarus, ban on Russia continues

[BittyBug]

FWIW I heard last fall from a very reliable source that RUS would be back this year so this has been in the works for a while.

 

[coppertop1]

I wonder how the Russians will adapt to the new age limit. Their system was meant to exploit a lower age minimum.
I really feel for the Ukrainian athletes. It was fun while it lasted. The women have especially been enjoyable. Milano was supposed wholesome

 

[spin2win]

the most recent writing was on the wall with the rumors/actions at ISU council. Rumors started coming that seniors were on the table. Then the ISU council elections happened and the candidates with a pro-ban position were all rejected in favor of candidates with less clear or unknown positions.

Then they made the comeback rule change (10 to 4 years, in hindsight this may have been to avoid having russian skaters mass appeal their way into GP spots)

Then RusFed listed JGP events on their calendar for the fall (Ankara, Bangkok, Xi'an) which would be their slot quota.

I guess you could even consider anecdotal stuff as hints-- Benoit Richaud going to Russia to choreograph programs for a number of skaters, Richaud's Peak Ice Camp in Europe has been full of Russian skaters and coaches this summer, from looking at their instagrams--Gummenik and Tuktamysheva are in the US this summer [Gummenik training longer with Arutyunyan in California, I would not be surprised to hear that he is staging programs there as well, Tuktamysheva even held a training seminar in Portland recently], Medvedeva's show on July 11th has a number of foreign flag skaters participating and I don't think foreign skaters have been doing Russian shows recently [foreign lineup is FB/C, Shaidorov, Hendrickx, M/B, A/R, Petrokina, Gubanova, P/S, Egadze].....

I guess it was all in front of this the whole time (along with what other sporting bodies have done)

 

[PRlady]

[QUOTE="spin2win, post: 6937198, member: 86801] Medvedeva's show on July 11th[/URL] has a number of foreign flag skaters participating and I don't think foreign skaters have been doing Russian shows recently [foreign lineup is FB/C, Shaidorov, Hendrickx, M/B, A/R, Petrokina, Gubanova, P/S, Egadze].....

I guess it was all in front of this the whole time (along with what other sporting bodies have done)
[/QUOTE]

Those are mostly Russia-descent skaters, and FB/C have no North American offers.

 

[clairecloutier]

For me, the writing was on the wall when ISU President Kim Jae Youl joined the IOC Executive Committee in February. I don't think that would have happened if he hadn't agreed to play ball on readmitting the Russians--which is where the IOC under Kirsty Coventry has been wanting to go. And so this whole thing has probably been in the works for a while.

It's very unfortunate, and I completely disagree with this decision.

 

[Theatregirl1122]

I'm betting the "neutral" part of AIN will turn out to be just as much of a joke in skating as it has been in gymnastics.

and/or real challengers in dance v. FB&C running away with the next four years

Who do we imagine that is???

 

[kirkbiggestfan]

Could Stepanova/Bukin or maybe Kaganovskaia/Nebraskov show up in Lake Placid in 1 month?

 

[Karen-W]

Could Stepanova/Bukin or maybe Kaganovskaia/Nebraskov show up in Lake Placid in 1 month?

Why would they?

I mean, theoretically, yes, they could, but I can't see StepBuk showing up there when there's got to be a huge question about whether or not they'll receive AIN status going forward.

I'm betting the "neutral" part of AIN will turn out to be just as much of a joke in skating as it has been in gymnastics.

Oh, I'm not so sure about that. I expect a very heavy hand to be applied to the skaters who were on the 2022 Olympic team. In no way shape or form do I think we'll see Kamila Valieva competing internationally as an AIN.

Who do we imagine that is???

I suppose some people think StepBuk could challenge FBCiz. I think that's a pipe dream.

 

[BittyBug]

Thinking of Ukrainian athletes today.

Indeed. Nothing has changed. Russia is still killing innocent civilians, including children.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/30/world/europe/russia-ukraine-prom.html?unlocked_article_code=1.uFA.ZU__.fZPfZbCL1m_I&smid=url-share

 

[Wyliefan]

Indeed. Nothing has changed. Russia is still killing innocent civilians, including children.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/30/world/europe/russia-ukraine-prom.html?unlocked_article_code=1.uFA.ZU__.fZPfZbCL1m_I&smid=url-share

That made me cry.

 

[PRlady]

What a story.

The problem is, there were more than 100 Mashas in that school in southern Iran we bombed. Yes by mistake but they’re just as dead. Not to mention the Mashas dead in at least six other conflicts. I want to keep the Russians out too but the war-related rationale gets harder….

And it’s Kag/Nek who will be competitive with the top teams anyway. Step/Buk are as much past their sell-by date as the other teams in their 30s retiring, and they were never as good anyway.

 

[Karen-W]

I guess you could even consider anecdotal stuff as hints-- Benoit Richaud going to Russia to choreograph programs for a number of skaters, Richaud's Peak Ice Camp in Europe has been full of Russian skaters and coaches this summer, from looking at their instagrams--Gummenik and Tuktamysheva are in the US this summer [Gummenik training longer with Arutyunyan in California, I would not be surprised to hear that he is staging programs there as well, Tuktamysheva even held a training seminar in Portland recently], Medvedeva's show on July 11th has a number of foreign flag skaters participating and I don't think foreign skaters have been doing Russian shows recently [foreign lineup is FB/C, Shaidorov, Hendrickx, M/B, A/R, Petrokina, Gubanova, P/S, Egadze].....

I guess it was all in front of this the whole time (along with what other sporting bodies have done)

Richaud did choreography for some Russian skaters last season too... And Mishin's brought his skaters to France the past couple summers. It's been gradual, but these anecdotal signs you're pointing to don't hold up when even lightly poked.

Also, Tukt has been as clear that she is & has been opposed to this war since the start as one can be when living in Russia.

 

[withwings]

Re Medvedeva's show: the show will be in Armenia, not in Russia. Ha! In other words, it is Armenian ice show, not Russian. Foreign skaters will be not going to Russia. They are will be going to Armenia! As for Medvedeva herself...i clearly remember how she hided Russian flag in her jacket compartment when it was granted her to compete as a neutral... nothing is static of course, everything is dynamic, but, as far as I know, she always has been pro war and pro soviet girl but that of course does not matter- show is in Armenia, theoretically everything is correct. Moreover, Medvedeva' s father is Armenian.

 

[Karen-W]

The Lithuanian fed is NOT happy with this decision.

Lietuvos čiuožimo federacija (LČF) on Instagram: "“We will kill you, but we will still enjoy the freedoms of the civilized world. We will bomb your homes, but once we put on skates, we will keep smiling at everyone and sit at the same table. We wil

176 likes, 108 comments - ltskating on June 30, 2026: "“We will kill you, but we will still enjoy the freedoms of the civilized world. We will bomb your homes, but once we put on skates, we will keep smiling at everyone and sit at the same table. We will rape your women and torture your...

www.instagram.com

 

[withwings]

to Lithuania for precise, poignant reaction! Baltic states knows what really Russia is; each word in their message is not only a word but a messenger of truth.

 

[spin2win]

That statement was apparently joint with the Ukrainian federation, who posted a copy as well

Президенти федерацій України та Литви: рішення ISU про допуск російських фігуристів до змагань – лицемірне та ганебне - Українська федерація фігурного катання на ковзанах

Президент Української федерації фігурного катання на ковзанах Даніль Амірханов та президент Федерації фігурного катання Литви Вітаутас Ясутіс у спільній заяві

www.ukrfsf.org.ua

 

[Vagabond]

What a story.

The problem is, there were more than 100 Mashas in that school in southern Iran we bombed. Yes by mistake but they’re just as dead. Not to mention the Mashas dead in at least six other conflicts. I want to keep the Russians out too but the war-related rationale gets harder….

Would any admin care to tell this poster to take this to P.I., which is where it belongs?

 

[mtnskater]

to Lithuania for precise, poignant reaction! Baltic states knows what really Russia is; each word in their message is not only a word but a messenger of truth.

I just returned from a couple of weeks touring the Baltic countries. Much of our tour was focused on the struggle for freedom and independence in the Baltics from unwanted Soviet rule, amid lots of death and destruction. A tall high rise in downtown Vilnius (capital of Lithuania) currently displays a massive banner that says “Putin, The Hague is waiting for you.” I’m disgusted with the ISU and its cowardly decision.

 

[PRlady]

Would any admin care to tell this poster to take this to P.I., which is where it belongs?

My dear, it’s rather hard to discuss including or excluding Russians without alluding to the cause of their expulsion. See post immediately above. And whether the cause of expulsion has had its context changed is legitimate debate. PI isn’t a ghetto for everything everyone doesn’t want to think about.

 

[Wyliefan]

FS Gossips had this quote on Facebook from Eva-Lotta Kiibus about the ISU, but didn't give a source. Anyone know where it's from?
"Politically, we’re trying to make everything look ‘correct’ but morally we have zero balls and give in on pressure."

 

[Jay42]

FS Gossips had this quote on Facebook from Eva-Lotta Kiibus about the ISU, but didn't give a source. Anyone know where it's from?
"Politically, we’re trying to make everything look ‘correct’ but morally we have zero balls and give in on pressure."

She posted it on her Instagram stories, here's a link, it should be up for another 12 hours.

 

[TAHbKA]

I wonder how the Russians will adapt to the new age limit. Their system was meant to exploit a lower age minimum.

By reviving Trusova. Petrosian - we have seen her quads; Zakharova and Husutdinova are not yet 17, Muravieva is probably changing countries (she is sitting out the season), Dvoeglazova, I think, is not yet 17 as well?

Could Stepanova/Bukin or maybe Kaganovskaia/Nebraskov show up in Lake Placid in 1 month?

In theory yes, though think they will attend an easier competitions visa wise. I would expect to see the Russians in Japan, Kazakhstan and Georgia challengers.

 

[SakuraHere]

Some prolific posters have been quiet. Are they on suicide watch? Never mind.

People, where have you been. The show in Armenia was cancelled last week. It's an old news. As well as the fact that Russians 18+ landed quads in competitions (Zakharova, Petrosyan), 20+ too (Valieva) and Trusova in ice shows while being a breastfeeding mother.

As for 10 to 4 years change for returnees, it was never applicable for banned Russian skaters. That rule is for those who quit, didn't compete and then chose to return.

 

[leilaofpaper]

Has anything been said on whether AIN will be able to get extra spots for future european and world championships? I know they will only have one spot this year, but if their skater is in the top ten will they get two spots?

(I know Worlds this year is up in the air due to Finland’s visa rules)

 

[TAHbKA]

Has anything been said on whether AIN will be able to get extra spots for future european and world championships? I know they will only have one spot this year, but if their skater is in the top ten will they get two spots?

(I know Worlds this year is up in the air due to Finland’s visa rules)

If I understood correctly - yes, they will get 2 quotas. What I didn't understand and it looks wage is whether BLR and RUS skaters are the same 'country' and get one spot for both countries, or does each country get a spot?

 

[kwanfan1818]

The GP Announcement for Comeback skaters only requires not having skated the previous season and has no language about the reason why:

“Skaters/Couples who were previously seeded (placed 1 to 6 within the past 4 years at an ISU Figure Skating World Championships) and subsequently did not participate in one or more competition seasons (i.e., do not have a previous season’s best score) will be given priority consideration to re-enter the Grand Prix for selection of up to 2 assignments if they commit in writing to participating in 2 Grand Prix events and if such return is announced and confirmed by the date of the annual Selection Meeting.”

 

[Karen-W]

Has anything been said on whether AIN will be able to get extra spots for future european and world championships? I know they will only have one spot this year, but if their skater is in the top ten will they get two spots?

(I know Worlds this year is up in the air due to Finland’s visa rules)

It's unclear. Here's what they say in the FAQ -

Will the quotas for these neutral athletes be applied equally to the status at the time athletes from Russia and Belarus were first ruled ineligible for competition?

Where quotas apply, the number of neutral athletes is determined by the same objective, results and ranking-based qualification mechanics that apply to all skaters. Because skaters affiliated with the ISU Members in Russia and Belarus have not accumulated recent results or world ranking points during their absence of more than three years, their initial quota allocation is calculated on that objective basis, in the same way as for any skater returning after a comparable period, rather than by reference to nationality.

So, basically, for the JGP & ISU Championships, where there are quota limits already set, they'll adhere to those. For the JGP - 1 entry in 2 events for singles & dance, 1 entry in 3 events for pairs; for Euros & Worlds - 1 entry in each discipline.

Challengers usually have a limit on 3 entrants per country from non-host feds, so I think they'd probably be limited to 3 AINs per event, but I don't know how the Challenger organizers or the ISU will control that so both countries can field entries.

And it certainly doesn't address what happens next season should an AIN from either country place high enough to earn additional entries at ISU Championships or for the JGP.

 

[Karen-W]

The GP Announcement for Comeback skaters only requires not having skated the previous season and has no language about the reason why:

“Skaters/Couples who were previously seeded (placed 1 to 6 within the past 4 years at an ISU Figure Skating World Championships) and subsequently did not participate in one or more competition seasons (i.e., do not have a previous season’s best score) will be given priority consideration to re-enter the Grand Prix for selection of up to 2 assignments if they commit in writing to participating in 2 Grand Prix events and if such return is announced and confirmed by the date of the annual Selection Meeting.”

The GP Announcement for Comeback skaters does not apply to ANY RUS or BLR skaters since the last time either country competed at Worlds was 2021.

At this time, the only RUS skaters eligible for GP assignments are Petrosian & Gumennik, by virtue of their SB scores from the Olympics (they landed at #11 on the women's & men's 2025-26 SB lists respectively). They should both be at the top of the GP Alternates List once that is made public. Safonova is the only BLR skater eligible - she's at SB 55, so chances are very low she'll wind up with a GP assignment.

All other RUS & BLR men, women & ice dance teams can earn their way onto the GP Alternates Lists by winning a Challenger. Pairs teams have a more open path, since there are only 7 alternates right now, so the GP Coordination Group can add teams after each Challenger. I'd expect to see at least 3 Russian teams at both John Nicks IPC and Kinoshita Group Cup, vying for the chance to be added to the GP Alternates List.

 

[Vagabond]

My dear, it’s rather hard to discuss including or excluding Russians without alluding to the cause of their expulsion.

This is sophistry, and you are too intelligent not to know it. The bombing of the girls' elementary school took place four years after the exclusion of Russian athletes from ISU competitions. It cannot be a cause of the expulsion.

Your reference to that bombing was a gratuitous insertion of your personal political beliefs into a skating thread, something for which anyone other than an administrator might be reprimanded.

 

[layman]

To lift the ban now without addressing the elephant in the room, which is Russia's well documented state doping program, seems exceedingly premature and puts us right back to 2022 and the whole Kamila Valieva doping scandal. Russia was not banned for state sponsored doping but they should have been and we won't be able to have clean sport and trust in clean competition until the Russian authorities behind the doping are sanctioned.