Svishchev denies extra-document request for Bolshunov’s neutral status

Russian ski federation chairman Dmitry Svishchev said on October 14 that Alexander Bolshunov was applying for neutral status under the standard procedure. He denied reports that the International Ski and Snowboard Federation had requested additional documents.

Svishchev told TASS that the application followed the federation’s regulations and that consideration takes time. His statement disputes the earlier report of a special document request, rather than announcing approval of Bolshunov’s status.

The international federation approved an application procedure for Russian athletes on September 22. Bolshunov, aged 29, is seeking eligibility through that process.

The skier is a three-time Olympic champion from the 2022 Games and a 2021 world champion. He has also won the overall World Cup and Tour de Ski twice each. Svishchev did not give a date for a decision on his application.