The State Duma assessed the admission of Russian figure skaters to the selection for the Olympics

State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova has so far ruled out a mass return of Russians to international sport and the Olympics after the admission of speed skaters to the selection in neutral status.

In a conversation with Lenta.Ru on Friday, December 20, the parliamentarian noted that each decision is a private case and depends on the position of a particular sports federation. For example, Russian tennis players have always been allowed.

"Of course, we would like our athletes to be selected and perform under the flag and anthem, but now it is necessary to be selected at least in a neutral status where possible," - said the MP.

According to her, most likely, the Russians will not be allowed to qualify where there is a strong Scandinavian lobby.

"We are talking, for example, about our skiers. There, the athletes themselves offer to allow the Russians in because it would be fair and right, but the politicians refuse," Zhurova explained.

She noted that the situation may change after the Ukrainian conflict is over.

"There are still prerequisites for Russian participation in the 2026 Olympics"

Dmitry Dubrovsky, President of the Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Federation, talks about the likelihood of a merger with other ski federations, the new leadership of the ROC and the chances of our athletes' participation in foreign competitions.

On the same day, two-time Olympic champion and State Duma deputy Sergei Chepikov noted in a conversation with Pravda.Ru that national team athletes themselves should decide on the neutral status.

"For our younger generation we need certain benchmarks - champions of great sport. We need victories," the athlete noted.

Earlier on December 20, the International Skating Union allowed Russians to qualify for the Olympic Games - 2026 in neutral status. The Russian Figure Skating Federation (FFKR) and the Russian Skating Union (SKR) must select one athlete (pair) in each discipline. The Russian team will not be admitted to the team tournaments at the Olympic Games, RT writes. It is noted that athletes will not be able to give comments to the media and participate in press conferences. ISU expects applications until February 28, reports 360.ru. Competitions will be held in Italy, specifies the site kp.ru.

The suspension of Russians from international competitions in speed skating, short track and figure skating came into effect in 2022, notes NSN.