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Ukrainian Luger Denounces Russian “Neutral” Rival at Cortina, Alleging Drone-Maker Links

The IOC’s vetting-based neutral‑athlete policy faces visible pushback from competitors on the ice.

Overview

  • After finishing his final run, Anton Dukach draped himself in Ukraine’s flag and called it a shame that a Russian competitor started immediately after him.
  • Dukach alleged that rival Pavel Repilov benefits from a sponsor that makes drones used in attacks on Ukraine, an assertion not independently verified in the reports.
  • The IOC has barred Russian and Belarusian teams but cleared 13 Russians and seven Belarusians to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes following a panel review.
  • Officials say the vetting checks for military ties and public support for the war before granting neutral status.
  • Germany’s Max Langenhan won the luge event, with Repilov 14th, Dukach 16th, and Ukraine’s Andriy Mandziy 12th, and Dukach and Repilov did not acknowledge each other in the finish area.