Sledding the Ban: Olympia Exclusion of Russian Lugers
Rodel Competitions at the Olympics Held Without Russian Athletes' Presence
Tampere (dPA) - In a resounding decision, the International Luge Federation (FIL) has cemented the exclusion of Russian athletes from competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. This ban has been declared after the conclusion of their 73rd congress in Tampere, Finland.
The FIL President, Einars Fogelis, stated, "We stand firm on maintaining fair and secure competition. Our collective responsibility reflects the opinions that we hold dearly, especially those from our athletes."
This decision echoes the FIL's stance since September 23, 2022, when the debate revolved around whether Russian athletes could compete under the International Olympic Committee's guidelines as neutral athletes (AIN).
The Anonymous Voice: An Athletes' Survey
During the congress, Leon Felderer, the chairman of the FIL Athletes' Commission, presented the findings of an anonymous survey among luge and natural track athletes. The survey results portrayed a diverse array of opinions, with concerns about athlete safety, fairness, anti-doping, and equal opportunities in the Olympic qualification process. Felderer summarized the survey by stating, "Athletes have opposing views. Concerns and arguments emerge from both sides."
Upon voting, a majority supported the continuation of the ban: 24 delegates voted in favor, 7 against, with a single invalid vote. In a separate vote, the FIL executive team was explicitly barred from creating a participation program for neutral Russian athletes, effectively ruling out the possibility of Russian athletes competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics. The tally in this second vote showed 24 delegates supporting a full ban, with 8 favoring the exploration of AIN regulations.
The ban precludes Russian lugers from competing at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, denying them an opportunity even under the guise of neutrality, or to partake in the qualification process. In a statement, the FIL emphasized the significance of integrity, athlete safety, and unity in international sports as underpinnings for upholding the ban on Russian athletes in the 2026 Games.
[1]: Source for overall context[2]: Additional information about the FIL's stance[3]: Details on the vote results[5]: Reasons behind the exclusion of Russian athletes
The exclusion of Russian athletes from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo extends beyond their sports, as it covers the luge discipline.
The survey among luge and natural track athletes revealed a divisive opinion regarding the presence of Russian athletes in international sports, with concerns about athlete safety, fairness, anti-doping, and equal opportunities in the Olympic qualification process.
