Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva has been granted neutral status that allows her to compete in International Skating Union (ISU) tournaments, according to a report from БИЗНЕС Online — Новости Казани published Friday.
The outlet reports that Valieva is among more than 20 Russian figure skaters who have received neutral status for international competitions. Alexandra Trusova is also on that list, as is skater Petr Gumennik, according to separate reports from Meduza and The Insider cited in the coverage.
The neutral designation means the athletes can participate in ISU-sanctioned events without representing Russia, following the international body's restrictions on Russian competitors. The ISU is the governing body for figure skating and other ice sports.
Russian coach Tatiana Tarasova commented on the development, saying that Trusova and Valieva are beloved worldwide and that their presence at international tournaments will draw full arenas, as reported by Sport Mail.
The news comes after a period in which Russian skaters were largely absent from the international circuit. The neutral status does not restore Russia's flag or anthem at competitions, but it does clear the way for individual athletes to return to the ice.
Valieva, who rose to prominence at the 2022 Winter Olympics, has been one of the most recognizable names in the sport. Trusova, known for her technical difficulty, has also maintained a global fan base.
What to watch next: whether the ISU will confirm the full list of approved Russian athletes and which competitions they will enter first.
