Nikita Filippov (left) was the first Russian athlete to win a medal at these Winter Games. © ANSA / ANNA SZILAGYI

Debut in ski mountaineering – and a Russian is cheering along

The first Olympic champions in ski mountaineering have been crowned: The men's and women's sprints kicked off the Games on Thursday in Bormio. A Russian athlete also won the first medal at these Games.

February 19, 2026

From: dpa/dl

Nikita Filippov has become the first Russian athlete to win a medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The 23-year-old, officially competing as an "Individual Neutral Athlete" (AIN), finished second in the new discipline of ski mountaineering in Bormio, behind the Spanish winner Oriol Cardona Coll.

Due to the ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine, national teams from Russia and Belarus are not permitted to participate. Athletes were allowed to qualify in certain sports – depending on the regulations of their respective world governing bodies – but will compete at the Olympics as neutral athletes. This means they are allowed to participate without their national flag, anthem, or uniform. A total of 13 athletes from Russia and 7 from Belarus were approved by the International Olympic Committee.

Olympic debut for a new sport

Ski mountaineering originated from ski touring. Athletes walk up a slope on their skis. To prevent slipping backward, skins are attached to the bottom of the skis. For a short section, they also have to climb stairs; on this part of the route, the skis are unstrapped. Once at the top, the skins are removed from the skis, and a short descent begins.

First up were the women in their final: Marianne Fatton of Switzerland won the first-ever gold medal. Silver went to Emily Harrop of France, and Ana Alonso Rodriguez of Spain took bronze. Giulia Murada of Italy finished fifth. The new addition to the Olympic competition program was well received. The atmosphere in the stands and along the slopes was exuberant and palpable.