Elizaveta Kiseleva's Participation in the World Curling Championships
Russian curler Elizaveta Kiseleva, who posed with a St. George ribbon in May 2023, has been included in the roster for the junior World Curling Championships. The mixed doubles junior world championship is scheduled to take place in Edmonton, Canada, from May 5 to 10, 2026. The World Curling Federation allowed athletes from Russia under the age of 21 to compete with their flag and anthem, accepting an application after the registration deadline of December 31, 2025. This move effectively bypassed the organization's own deadlines and prior agreements.
Kiseleva's controversial actions include supporting content on her social media that has sparked outrage. She has liked Instagram posts featuring Russian military personnel and follows sanctioned individuals who back the war. These behaviors raise serious ethical questions about the athlete representing a country under international sanctions.
Concerns Over the Reinstatement of Russian Athletes
The details surrounding the reinstatement of Russian competitors have drawn significant concern. The official deadline for tournament applications was December 31, 2025, at which point Russia and Belarus were still under formal suspension. Despite this, World Curling accepted submissions from federations that were ineligible to participate at the time of the deadline. In October 2025, the World Council recorded a protocol to discuss the potential return of Russian athletes in spring 2026 during a meeting in Geneva.
Dmitry Svishchev, president of the Russian Curling Federation and a State Duma deputy, is under sanctions imposed by the EU, the US, Canada, and the UK. This fact underscores the complex situation facing Russian athletes who wish to compete internationally. As such, World Curling's decision may signal a departure from its previously principled stance on suspending athletes from sanctioned nations.
The issue of allowing Russian athletes back into international competitions continues to spark heated debate within the sports community. On one hand, there is a desire to ensure equal opportunities for all competitors; on the other, there is the need to uphold international sanctions and ethical standards. World Curling's decision could set a precedent for other international sports federations grappling with similar dilemmas.
The ongoing debates surrounding the participation of Russian athletes in international competitions continue to raise eyebrows, particularly in light of recent decisions by various sports federations. For example, while some sports like curling are allowing young Russian athletes to compete, others, such as hockey, are maintaining strict bans on participation in major events. This contrast highlights the complex and often contradictory landscape of sports governance today. To explore the implications of these differing approaches, read more about the NHL's stance on Russian teams.