Russia to Compensate Athletes Barred from Winter Olympics
Russian Olympic Committee announces cash bonuses for athletes affected by international competition bans
- 116 athletes to receive payments after missing Winter Olympics
- Mikhail Degtyarev criticises bans as politically motivated
- Neutral participation allowed under International Olympic Committee rules
The Russian Olympic Committee has announced plans to provide financial compensation to 116 athletes who were unable to compete at the Winter Olympics due to international restrictions.
Athletes from Russia and Belarus have faced widespread bans from global sporting events since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, limiting their participation in major competitions.
Despite the restrictions, 13 Russian athletes were cleared to compete as neutrals at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games in Italy earlier this year. However, many others were excluded entirely.
Russian Sports Minister and ROC chairman Mikhail Degtyarev said the decision to award bonuses was approved by the committee, describing the bans as “politically motivated.” He added that efforts are ongoing to restore Russia’s full participation in international competitions under its national flag and anthem.
At the Games, Nikita Filippov was the only Russian athlete to secure a medal, winning silver in ski mountaineering.
The International Olympic Committee has maintained a pathway for athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete as neutrals, provided they meet strict conditions, including not supporting the war.
In a related development, the International Paralympic Committee allowed a limited number of Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags at the Winter Paralympics in March, marking the first time since 2014 following the lifting of its suspension last year.
