Pekletsova and four other Russian skiers receive FIS neutral status

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation has granted neutral status for the 2026/27 season to Alina Pekletsova and four other Russian cross-country skiers. The list update was reported on October 14.

Alongside Pekletsova, the athletes are Ekaterina Nikitina, Ekaterina Shibenkina, Dmitry Puzangov and Andrey Sakharov. Sport-Express and Championat name the five skiers in their reports on the federation's decision.

Savely Korostelev, Darya Nepryaeva, Sergey Volkov, Nikita Denisov, Ksenia Shorokhova and Arina Kalicheva had previously received neutral status. The latest update expands the group of Russian skiers eligible to compete internationally as neutral athletes.

Before the new season, FIS eased its eligibility criteria for Russian competitors. It removed a provision barring athletes representing CSKA and other sports organisations affiliated with the armed forces.