Athletes from Russia Win First Medal at the 2026 Olympics 0 8

At the Winter Olympic Games taking place in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, 23-year-old Russian Nikita Filippov, competing under a neutral status, won a silver medal in ski mountaineering. In the semi-final sprint held on Thursday, February 19, Filippov finished with a time of 2 minutes 35.55 seconds, finishing 1.52 seconds behind the winner, Spanish athlete Oriol Cardona Coll. Frenchman Thibaut Anselme took third place, finishing 2.31 seconds behind. The competition took place under heavy snowfall. This award became the first medal for Russian athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Ski mountaineering is included in the Olympic program for the first time. Athletes ascend the mountain on skis or by running, carrying all necessary equipment, and then descend down a natural mountain slope. The sprint distance is 610 meters, with an elevation change of 70 meters.

A total of 13 athletes from Russia have qualified for the 2026 Olympics, competing as neutral athletes. Figure skater Adelia Petrosyan is in contention for a medal (she is in 5th place in the short program) and will present her free program on February 19. Speed skater Anastasia Semenova has good chances for victory - her mass start is scheduled for February 21. Skiers Saveliy Korosteleva and Darya Nepryayeva will compete in marathon races on February 21 and 22, respectively.