Published on March 25, 2026
As the Winter Olympic Games prepare to kick off in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo on February 6, Russia finds itself in a challenging position with a markedly reduced presence at the prestigious event. For the first time in recent history, the nation will send only 13 athletes to compete across six sports, all under a neutral banner that precludes the display of a national flag or the use of an anthem.
Russian athletes faced significant restrictions on their participation in the figure skating events, with organizers prohibiting the country’s representation in pairs skating and ice dancing. This decision means that only singles skaters Adelia Petrosyan and Pyotr Gumenik will take to the ice for Russia, effectively sidelining many athletes who would typically form part of the teams in these categories.
Among those competing, Petrosyan stands out as a notable contender for a medal. The young skater, who is under the tutelage of the highly regarded coach Eteri Tutberidze, has been generating a buzz around her potential performance. Current betting odds reflect this optimism, positioning her fourth among the leading competitors for the gold medal. The frontrunners ahead of her include Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto and American skaters Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn.
The reduced participation of Russian athletes in these Games reflects ongoing international tensions and the repercussions of previous controversies surrounding the country’s sports programs. As the Olympics approach, the spotlight will focus not only on the performances of these athletes but also on the broader implications for Russia’s standing in the global sports community.