Neutral Athletes
Ukrainian tennis player demands ban on Russian and Belarusian stars
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At the 2026 Australian Open, Ukrainian player Oleksandra Oliynykova has accused top Russian and Belarusian tennis players of supporting their leaders amid the war in Ukraine, calling for their exclusion from the sport. She specifically targeted world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Daniil Medvedev, and Diana Shnaider for alleged ties to state activities. The comments have sparked responses from the players involved, highlighting ongoing tensions in tennis.
A select group of Russian and Belarusian athletes will participate in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics as Individual Neutral Athletes, stripped of national symbols due to ongoing sanctions. This follows bans stemming from doping scandals and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Up to 20 competitors will feature across five sports, facing strict qualification hurdles.