On Thursday evening, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced that the Russian Ski Federation, the Russian Olympic Committee, the Russian Paralympic Committee, and 12 athletes are appealing the International Ski and Snowboard Federation’s (FIS) decision to ban them from qualifying for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano-Cortina.

Also Read – Confirms: Russia appeals FIS suspension

Among the 12 athletes appealing the ban is Saveliy Korostelev. The Russian cross-country skiing prodigy dominated the Junior World Championships in Lygna in 2022, winning two golds and one silver at just 18 years old.

Korostelev now demands the right to compete at the 2026 Olympics under the same conditions set by the IOC for neutral athletes. The 21-year-old has never expressed support for either the war or President Vladimir Putin.

“This is not sport. It’s politics,” Korostelev said after FIS decided on October 21 to uphold the suspension of athletes from Russia and Belarus.

Read More: FIS says no to Russia

Alexander Bolshunov, the triple Olympic champion from 2022, is not among the 12 appealing the suspension to CAS.

A rising star

Korostelev last competed internationally at the 2022 Junior World Championships in Lygna, where he earned two golds and a silver — just a week before President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

Days later, FIS decided to suspend Russia and Belarus from all international competitions under its jurisdiction. Since then, no Russian athletes have been allowed to compete in FIS events.

Before the war, several Russian skiers were strong challengers to Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and the Norwegian stars — not only Olympic champion Alexander Bolshunov but also Sergey Ustiugov, Alexander Terentev, and Sergey Ardashev. Saveliy Korostelev has beaten them all.

Last winter, Korostelev won the overall Russian Cup, clearly ahead of the field. He finished 250 points ahead of Sergey Ardashev, while Olympic champion Alexander Bolshunov placed third, nearly 300 points behind.

Korostelev had dreamed of finally challenging Klæbo and the Norwegians at this winter’s Olympics, which would have been his first chance to test himself against the World’s best.

Also Read: “The Russians have become much better, several may now be Olympic-ready”

Clear demands

In their appeal to CAS, the Russian side presents two clear requests:

“The Appellants request CAS to order FIS:

1. To allow the participation of the above-mentioned athletes, of all other athletes, support personnel and officials from Russia as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) in all FIS events, including the qualification events for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games as well as in the Games themselves, in compliance with the IOC eligibility criteria for AIN)
2. to allow the participation of the above-mentioned para-athletes, of all other Russian para-athletes, support personnel and officials, to participate in all FIS events, including the qualification events for the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, as well as in the Games themselves, under the same conditions as any other para-athletes.”

In accordance with CAS proceedings, the Parties are currently exchanging written submissions, and a Panel of arbitrators is being composed. With the Parties’ agreement, a hearing will be scheduled. 

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