The door is opening for more Russian stars. Now, the biggest of them all may be next.

This week, four more Russians have been granted neutral status and approval for international participation.

Among those now added to the list is Saveliy Korostelev. The 22-year-old, who made his World Cup debut last winter, secured both fourth and fifth places at the Olympics and a podium finish in the World Cup this season. He was not included in the initial list from FIS but has now received the green light.

Now, Alexander Bolshunov could be next.

Expecting more stars to receive approval

Earlier this fall, FIS adopted new guidelines for neutral status for athletes from Russia and Belarus. So far, 83 individuals from the two countries have been granted approval, but Russian ski president Dmitri Svishchev expects that number to grow.

“Around 200 athletes are working on applications for neutral status with FIS. Among them is, of course, (Alexander) Bolshunov,” Svishchev told Russian media.

The 29-year-old, who won five medals at the 2022 Olympics, including three golds, has not competed internationally under FIS since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Now, the ski president believes that will soon change.

“I believe that many of our biggest stars will receive approval from FIS very soon,” Svishchev stated.

Also Read: Former Junior World Champion among the Russians now given the green light by FIS

Svishchev also mentioned that Russia will seek to host FIS events within the country. However, he does not expect this to happen anytime soon.

Norway opposed

The Norwegian Ski Federation is among those still opposed but is adhering to FIS’s decisions.

“Our stance remains that we do not want Russians and Belarusians in international skiing, and we still do not know how this will play out in practice next season,” said Cathrine Instebø, head of cross-country skiing at the Norwegian Ski Federation, to NTB on Monday.

“We also understand that there are mixed opinions on this within FIS. Regardless, we must adhere to what FIS decides. We can only wait and see how this season unfolds,” Instebø continued.

See the complete updated list of approved athletes HERE.

Read More: IOC brings Russians back into the Olympic fold

REGISTER HERE AS A MEMBER