Nikita Filippov became the first Russian athlete to win a medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 23-year-old, who officially competes as an “Individual Neutral Athlete” (AIN), took second place in the new ski mountaineering discipline in Bormio behind the Spanish winner Oriol Cardona Coll.
Due to the ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine, national teams from Russia and Belarus are not allowed.
Depending on the regulations of the respective world association, athletes were allowed to qualify in certain sports, but then compete at the Olympics as neutral athletes. This means that they are allowed to take part without a flag, anthem or dress in their national colors.
A total of 13 athletes from Russia and 7 from Belarus were approved by the International Olympic Committee.