Report: Several Russians may be cleared to race in Davos under neutral status

SVT Sport reports that several Russian cross‑country skiers are likely to be granted “neutral” status by the International Ski Federation (FIS), clearing them to compete at this weekend’s World Cup races in Davos, Switzerland.

Among them is Saveliy Korostelev, a double junior world champion in 2022. On Sunday he won a 20 km mass start at the Russian Cup in Tyumen, edging three‑time Olympic champion Alexander Bolshunov by centimeters in a photo finish. Korostelev told SVT Sport on Monday that he will fly from Tyumen to Davos as soon as he receives confirmation of his neutral status.

FIS has indicated it hopes to publish an initial list of Russian athletes approved as neutrals by mid‑week. According to SVT Sport’s information, that list is expected to include multiple Russian skiers—both men and women. It remains unclear exactly who and how many have applied; Russian national team coach Yegor Sorin declined to specify, noting that applications are made individually by athletes.

To be approved as neutral athletes, competitors must not have expressed support for the war in Ukraine or have ties to the Russian military. The Davos World Cup races are the final opportunity for athletes to earn the FIS points required to qualify for the Milano–Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, making the timing of these decisions especially significant.

The development follows a recent CAS decision allowing Russian athletes to compete under a neutral flag, which has prompted mixed reactions within the winter sports community and could reshape the competitive field heading into the Olympic season.