Russian figure skater Lev Lazarev places second in short program at ISU Junior Grand Prix in Bangkok
Quick Look
- Russian figure skater Lev Lazarev scored 86.47 points in the men's singles short program at the 2026 ISU Junior Grand Prix in Bangkok, finishing second behind New Zealand's Li Yanho (86.65) and ahead of Thailand's Hiro Kaewtathip (81.55).
- The free skate is scheduled for September 5.
- The article notes past suspensions of Russian and Belarusian athletes by the ISU due to Ukraine, recent IOC moves to reinstate the ROC, and the ISU's decision allowing Russian skaters to compete neutrally from the 2026/27 season.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Russian and Belarusian athletes were suspended by the ISU in March 2022 due to the Ukraine conflict. The IOC later recommended reinstating the ROC and lifting restrictions on Russian athletes, and the ISU has allowed neutral participation starting from the 2026/27 season.
BANGKOK, September 3. /TASS/. Russian figure skater Lev Lazarev is second after the short program in men’s singles at the 2026 ISI (International Skating Union) Junior Grand Prix stage in Bangkok, Thailand.
The judges awarded the 16-year-old Russian figure skater 86.47 points for his short program. New Zealand’s Li Yanho is in the lead with 86.65 points and Hiro Kaewtathip from Thailand is third with 81.55 points.
The free skate program in men’s singles at the tournament in Thailand is scheduled for Saturday, September 5.
In March 2022, the ISU suspended Russian and Belarusian athletes from all international tournaments supervised by the organization due to the developments in Ukraine.
At the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the ISU allowed two Russian figure skaters to participate under a neutral status - Adelia Petrosyan and Petr Gumennik.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced a decision in July to reinstate the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and also recommended lifting restrictions on the participation of Russian athletes in all international tournaments, including both in individual and team competitions.
Starting from the 2026/27 season, the International Skating Union allowed Russian figure skaters to participate in international competitions in a neutral status.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
More Russian figure skaters will be granted neutral status to compete in ISU events starting in the 2026/27 season.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific criteria will determine neutral status for Russian skaters?
- Will the ISU extend neutral status to other sports or only figure skating?
- How will Belarusian athletes be affected by the new ISU policy?
