Three-time world champion in luge Roman Repilov expressed his opinion that every luger must independently decide whether they are ready to compete in international events under a neutral status.
“As for the neutral status, I honestly have nothing to lose. I can easily refuse to compete without a flag, and that’s probably what I will do. We have competed everywhere and are familiar with all the foreign tracks. However, for the junior athletes who lack experience in international competitions and have only seen the track in Sochi, it is essential to think everything through carefully. Each person must decide for themselves. I don’t want to and probably won’t go under such conditions,” Repilov stated to TASS.
In March 2022, the FIL deprived Russian lugers of the opportunity to compete in tournaments under its aegis following the escalation of the situation in Ukraine. Earlier, the organization's congress in Lake Placid, USA, voted to extend the suspension of Russians from international competitions.