In Paris, a tennis duo wins the first-ever Olympic medal for Russia

PARIS (AFP) — When Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider won silver in the women’s tennis doubles on Sunday, they became the first Russians to win a medal at the Olympics in Paris.

Italy’s Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini defeated them in three sets in the championship match while they were playing as neutrals.

After the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, athletes from Belarus, an ally of Russia, were prohibited from competing in international sports.

However, as long as the affected athletes fulfill certain requirements, the IOC has approved their gradual return under a neutral banner.

There are only seventeen Belarusians and fifteen Russians competing in Paris.

Andreeva answered, “It doesn’t matter to me,” when questioned about competing in the neutral position.