Russian cross-country stars Saveliy Korostelyov and Darya Nepryaeva are two of the twelve athletes who have been given the green light to participate as neutrals at the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
In total, three cross-country skiers, three figure skaters, two short-track skaters, three ice skaters and one ski mountaineer have been given the go-ahead.
The IOC points out that more people may receive the go-ahead before the Olympic opening ceremony on February 6.
In addition to qualifying, athletes from Russia and Belarus must also meet several requirements to participate as neutrals. Among other things, they must not have actively supported the war against Ukraine, nor must they have any connections to the military in their home country.
Neither Russia nor Belarus is allowed to participate as a team at the Olympics.
