Russian athletes are preparing to participate in a World Cup luge race in Lake Placid, New York, next week, after securing U.S. visas. The decision has sparked controversy, with Ukrainian athletes expressing strong objections, arguing that it is unfair given the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
The Russian luge team, consisting of approximately six athletes, aims to use the Lake Placid event as an opportunity to improve their chances of qualifying for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February.
Despite recent claims from Russian officials, Russia will not compete in the upcoming World Cup in Park City, Utah. This marks the first potential return of Russian sliders to a World Cup luge competition since the nation invaded Ukraine nearly four years ago.
Ukrainian Athletes Raise Concerns
Anton Dukach, Ukraine’s top Olympic luge hopeful, voiced his frustration over the potential participation of Russian athletes, noting the personal impact of the war. Dukach narrowly escaped a Russian rocket attack on his apartment two years ago, which killed several of his neighbors. He has lost numerous friends and classmates in the conflict.
Dukach questioned the neutrality of Russian athletes, stating, “They are not neutral. They support war.” While the Russians would compete as neutral athletes without their national flag, Ukrainian competitors argue that neutrality cannot erase the broader political context or personal losses experienced due to the war.
wikipedia.org | Ukraine's top luger Anton Dukach voices frustration over Russian athlete inclusion.
Visa and Participation Process
Russian athletes have been attempting to obtain U.S. visas through an office in Kazakhstan. The World Cup races in the U.S., including this weekend in Park City and next week in Lake Placid, are part of a five-race Olympic qualifying series. The series began last month at the Olympic venue in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
At the Cortina event, Russian and Ukrainian athletes competed against one another in a setting that was not part of the World Cup, with no spectators in attendance. Russian athletes had limited success, with none placing higher than 19th.
U.S. slider Ashley Farquharson described the atmosphere as “a little awkward,” recalling the challenge of preparing alongside athletes from both nations.
The U.S. State Department did not provide details on visa approvals for Russian participants but emphasized the importance of safely hosting international sporting events.
Bobsled and Skeleton Competitions
The International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation recently cleared nine Russian athletes — including two bobsledders and seven skeleton sliders — to compete as neutral athletes. These competitors, along with nine support staff, may participate in selected men’s and women’s skeleton and women’s monobob events.
They are not competing at the current World Cup in Lillehammer, Norway, but could have up to four World Cup opportunities before the Olympics. Upcoming races are scheduled in Sigulda, Latvia; St. Moritz, Switzerland; Winterberg, Germany; and Altenberg, Germany.
Like their luge teammates, Russian bobsled and skeleton athletes face significant hurdles on the road to the Olympics. Upcoming events abroad require visas, creating additional uncertainty for their campaigns.
Olympic Neutrality and Qualification Challenges
Instagram | shorpn_ | Visa and logistical challenges continue to cloud Russian athletes’ Olympic prospects.
The IOC supports the idea of Russian athletes competing as neutral participants at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Yet, Olympic qualification is controlled by each sport’s federation. Some federations initially blocked Russian competitors, though appeals led to revisions allowing neutral entries.
Even if they make it to Lake Placid, Russian athletes still face an uncertain path. The two remaining qualifying events in Latvia and Germany may present logistical obstacles, including visa issues, adding another layer of complexity.
Ukrainian athlete Dukach reflected on what it means personally: “I’ve always been proud to represent my country. It’s even more important now.”
The Path Forward
The participation of Russian luge, bobsled, and skeleton athletes in upcoming World Cup events underscores the tension between sports and politics. Ukrainian athletes continue to question whether it’s fair for competitors from a nation involved in an ongoing conflict to compete—even under a neutral flag.
While the IOC and federations provide a framework for Russian participation, qualification remains difficult. Their presence adds a complex dimension to international winter sports competitions.
