International Skating Union Allows Russian and Belarusian Athletes to Return as Neutrals

國際滑冰聯盟允許俄羅斯與白俄羅斯運動員以中立身份回歸

Jun 30, 2026, 16:33
AsiaSports

Introduction

The International Skating Union (ISU) has announced that it is ending the ban on athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus, allowing them to return to international competitions for the next season.

國際滑冰聯盟（ISU）已宣佈取消對俄羅斯與白俄羅斯運動員及裁判的禁令，允許他們在下個賽季重返國際賽事。

Main Body

This decision follows a period of exclusion that began in February 2022. The ISU emphasized that this ban was not a punishment, but rather a protective measure to ensure the safety of all participants and the fairness of the competitions. This change in policy follows general trends in the Olympic Movement and specific advice from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), including recommendations made on May 7 regarding Belarusian athletes.

此決定是在 2022 年 2 月開始的排除期之後做出的。ISU 強調此次禁令並非懲罰，而是一種保護措施，旨在確保所有參與者的安全與競賽的公平性。此次政策變更遵循了奧林匹克運動的總體趨勢，以及國際奧委會（IOC）的具體建議，包括 5 月 7 日針對白俄羅斯運動員的建議。

To participate, athletes must meet strict neutrality rules. For example, they cannot compete if they are currently serving in the military or national security agencies, if they have taken part in military operations in Ukraine, or if they have publicly supported the conflict. Consequently, these athletes must compete without using national symbols, such as flags or anthems. The ISU noted that the successful participation of neutral athletes in recent Olympic qualification events served as a positive example for this decision.

若要參與，運動員必須符合嚴格的中立規定。例如，若其目前在軍隊或國家安全部門服役、參與過在烏克蘭的軍事行動，或公開支持該衝突，則不得參賽。因此，這些運動員在參賽時不得使用國旗或國歌等國家象徵。ISU 指出，中立運動員在近期奧運資格賽中的成功參與，為此次決定提供了正面範例。

However, some challenges still remain. The ISU acknowledged that athletes might have difficulty getting visas for championships in countries like Finland, South Korea, and China. Furthermore, the organization stated that it may bring back restrictions if safety concerns arise. At the same time, the ISU continues to provide financial support to displaced Ukrainian skaters, asserting that allowing neutral athletes to return does not change its strong opposition to the armed conflict.

然而，挑戰依然存在。ISU 承認運動員在申請前往芬蘭、韓國和中國等國家參加錦標賽的簽證時，可能會遇到困難。此外，該組織表示，若出現安全疑慮，可能會恢復限制。同時，ISU 繼續為流亡的烏克蘭滑冰選手提供財政支持，並堅稱允許中立運動員回歸，並不改變其強烈反對武裝衝突的立場。

Conclusion

Russian and Belarusian skaters can now return to world and Grand Prix events as neutral participants, provided they meet safety requirements and can obtain the necessary visas.

俄羅斯與白俄羅斯的滑冰選手現在可以以中立參與者身份回歸世界賽與大獎賽，前提是必須符合安全要求並取得必要簽證。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Logic Bridge': Mastering Connector Words

At the A2 level, students usually use simple words like and, but, and because. To move toward B2, you need to use Logical Connectors. These words act like bridges, telling the reader exactly how two ideas are related.

🔍 Discovery from the Text

Look at how the article moves from one idea to the next using these advanced triggers:

  1. The Result Bridge →\rightarrow Consequently

    • Text: "...publicly supported the conflict. Consequently, these athletes must compete without using national symbols."
    • A2 version: "...so they must compete without flags."
    • B2 Upgrade: Use Consequently or Therefore when the second sentence is a direct, formal result of the first.

  2. The Contrast Bridge →\rightarrow However / Furthermore

    • Text: "However, some challenges still remain... Furthermore, the organization stated..."
    • The Trick: However flips the direction of the story (Positive →\rightarrow Negative). Furthermore adds more weight to the same direction (Problem + More Problem).

  3. The Condition Bridge →\rightarrow Provided

    • Text: "...as neutral participants, provided they meet safety requirements."
    • A2 version: "...if they meet safety requirements."
    • B2 Upgrade: Use Provided (that) when there is a strict requirement that must be met for something to happen.

🛠️ Quick Application Guide

Instead of using "But" at the start of every sentence, try this hierarchy:

If you want to...Use this B2 WordExample from Life
Show a resultConsequentlyI missed the bus; consequently, I was late.
Add a new pointFurthermoreThe hotel was dirty. Furthermore, it was noisy.
Set a ruleProvidedYou can go out, provided you finish your homework.
Change directionHoweverI love skating. However, I am not very good at it.

Vocabulary Learning

exclusion (n.)
The act of leaving someone out or preventing them from participating in a group or activity.
Example:The athlete's exclusion from the tournament was a result of the new safety regulations.
emphasized (v.)
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The teacher emphasized that the deadline for the project is this Friday.
neutrality (n.)
The state of not supporting or helping any side in a conflict or disagreement.
Example:The organization maintained its neutrality during the political dispute between the two nations.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened.
Example:The team failed to practice regularly; consequently, they lost the final match.
acknowledged (v.)
To accept or admit that something is true or exists.
Example:The company acknowledged that there was a mistake in the billing process.
restrictions (n.)
Official rules that limit what you can do or how you can do something.
Example:There are strict restrictions on how much luggage you can take on the plane.
displaced (adj.)
Forced to leave your home, typically because of war, genocide, or natural disaster.
Example:The government provided temporary shelter for thousands of displaced families.
asserting (v.)
Stating a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The lawyer continued asserting that her client was innocent of all charges.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→