Episode 8 - Russian Olympic Neutral Athlete Selection, Olympic Qualifying Competition
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Episode 8 - Russian Olympic Neutral Athlete Selection, Olympic Qualifying Competition
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About this listen
In Episode 8 of The Skating Session, Tony Wheeler and Thomas Vu unpack the announcement of eligible neutral athletes for the 2026 Winter Olympics, with a focus on Russian and Belarusian figure skaters who cleared the IOC screening process. They explore what the absence of Russian pairs and ice dance teams means for Olympic qualification, assess the chances of approved skaters like Adeliia Petrosian and Petr Gumennik, and explain how this impacts the final Olympic spots across disciplines.
The episode covers the broader implications for competitive fairness, fan reactions, and political dynamics in the sport. Tony and Thomas also break down the qualifying structure, share historical context, and debate how fans and judges might respond to these athletes' return to Olympic ice.
Expect rulebook nerdiness, behind-the-scenes commentary, and sharp, unapologetic takes on the state of the sport.