Denied Citizenship by Denmark Blocks Former Russian Skater from 2026 Olympics

Speed Skater Sofia Thorup to Miss 2026 Olympic Games

According to Главком: Former Russian speed skater Sofia Thorup (née Prosvirnova) will not compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo after Denmark refused her application for fast-track citizenship. This decision came despite her winning a European Championship gold medal in the mass start for Denmark at the end of last year. The case highlights the complex and often lengthy process athletes face when seeking to change their sporting nationality.

Thorup, previously a five-time European short-track champion for Russia, switched disciplines to speed skating. Following the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, she married Danish speed skater Viktor Thorup. In April 2023, she stated she was no longer willing to make the sacrifices required to compete for Russia and wished to be with her husband.

Impact on Russian Athletes Extends Beyond Skating

This development follows news that Russian freestyle skiers who visited Crimea will also miss the 2026 Games. During the 2022 Olympics, seven Russian athletes competed in ski cross, including three men and four women, with Sergey Ridzik winning a bronze medal. These exclusions reflect the ongoing international sporting restrictions affecting Russian athletes.

Denmark's refusal to grant Thorup citizenship underscores the difficult position of athletes attempting to change their country of representation. It also points to a broader trend of increased scrutiny and tighter controls over such transfers, particularly amid current geopolitical tensions. The absence of prominent Russian competitors in 2026 could significantly alter the competitive landscape in several winter sports.