FIL Pulls Three Russian Luge Athletes From Lake Placid After New Evidence

Three other Russians remain cleared to compete as neutrals under an eligibility review process tied to IOC guidance.

Overview

The International Luge Federation removed Alexsandr Gorbatsevich, Sofiia Mazur and Kseniia Shamova from eligibility for this weekend’s Lake Placid World Cup.
The executive board acted after “new evidence” was reviewed with the IOC, with details undisclosed; a person familiar with the matter said it raised neutrality concerns.
Matvei Perestoronin, Pavel Repilov and Daria Olesik remain on the start list as Individual Neutral Athletes for the Dec. 19–20 races.
Russian sliders are seeking Olympic qualifying points following their absence from World Cup luge since January 2022.
Ukrainian athletes trained in a separate session at Mount Van Hoevenberg, and visa obstacles for upcoming events in Latvia and Germany may constrain Russian participation.