Varvara Prokhorova (Russia)
Sport: Ski Mountaineering
Status: Granted neutral status by ISMF
According to information published on the official website of the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF), Russian citizen Varvara Prokhorova has been granted neutral athlete status.
At the same time, publicly available information on the official website of CSKA (Central Sports Club of the Army) indicates that Varvara Prokhorova holds the military rank of ensign in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. CSKA is a military sports organisation subordinated to the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation.
Under the publicly established eligibility conditions applied to individual neutral athletes, persons affiliated with the armed forces or law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation are not considered eligible for neutral status.
If confirmed, Prokhorova’s military rank and institutional affiliation would raise serious concerns regarding her compliance with neutrality requirements. Granting neutral status under such circumstances would call into question the consistent application of established eligibility standards and the principle of separation between international sport and state military structures.
Given the documented information, the eligibility of Varvara Prokhorova to compete under neutral status requires thorough review and verification.
Sources:
– ISMF licence list:
https://www.dataskimo.org/licenceList.php?order=nation
– CSKA official website confirming military rank:
https://cska.ru/news/7916
– Supporting materials referenced in the letter:
https://x.com/Ukrsportbase/status/1887795592711041191
https://x.com/Ukrsportbase/status/1887790324312928305
– Official letter of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and Ukrainian Mountaineering and Climbing Federation: