Russian Army Skier at Olympics Receives Support from Fans with Banned Symbols

2026 Olympic Games in Italy

According to Главком: During the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy, Russian cross-country skier Savely Korostelyov received support from two spectators who displayed Russian and Soviet symbols. The married couple, who relocated to Milan after the collapse of the USSR, were unaware of the ban on bringing such symbols into the competition venues. The man wore a ushanka hat with a Soviet cockade, while his wife's headgear featured the flags of Russia and Italy. The International Olympic Committee has maintained strict neutrality rules for these Games due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Savely Korostelyov, who is also a serviceman in the Russian army, finished in fourth place in the men's skiathlon event. He has previously 'liked' a social media post featuring the letter 'Z', a symbol associated with Russia's war against Ukraine. The post in question was related to an event organized by the 'Znanie' society, which faces sanctions from the EU and Ukraine for its alleged role in the abduction of Ukrainian children.

Fan Support and Reaction

On the second day of competition, February 8, Korostelyov competed for a medal for his country. The visible support from fans with prohibited insignia raised questions about the enforcement of venue regulations.

This situation highlights the complex intersection of sports, political conflict, and international relations at global events.

The prohibition on Russian and Soviet symbolism has been a significant aspect of the Olympic rules, reflecting the international response to Russia's actions in Ukraine. The incident involving the uninformed spectators underscores the ongoing challenge of ensuring all attendees are aware of the current competition guidelines.