Adelia Petrosyan Returns from the 2026 Olympics: Unpleasant Incident at Airport Shops

At the 2026 Winter Olympic Games held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo from February 6 to 22, Ukrainian figure skater Adelia Petrosyan achieved a commendable sixth place in the women's singles event. This accomplishment marked a significant milestone in her career; however, her return home was marred by an unexpected and unpleasant experience.

After the conclusion of the competitions, Petrosyan traveled to Moscow, where she decided to purchase some jewelry at one of the airport boutiques. However, when she approached the salesperson, her service was denied due to her Russian passport. "I was left with a slight aftertaste after visiting the airport shops. I wanted to buy earrings and a ring. Then the salesperson asked for my passport. Upon seeing the Russian one, they said, 'We cannot sell goods to people from Russia,'" Petrosyan recounted.

Not one to be easily deterred, the athlete sought assistance from a friend from Georgia, who had traveled with her from the Olympics. "We have a friend from Georgia who was flying with us from the Olympics. I thought: I’ll bring him in, and we’ll buy it. He takes out his passport, then his boarding pass. They tell him: 'You are flying to Moscow, we also cannot sell to you,'" she added. This situation sparked outrage not only in Petrosyan but also among many other athletes who experienced similar discrimination.

This incident is part of a broader issue faced by athletes from Russia competing under a neutral status. Previously, they had complained about not receiving smartphones that were gifted to all participants of the 2026 Olympics. This sparked indignation among athletes who believe such actions are unfair and discriminatory.

The 2026 Winter Olympics were remembered not only for the athletes' achievements but also for numerous scandals related to the political climate. The Norwegian team set a new record for the most victories at a single Winter Olympics, winning 18 gold medals. The most decorated athlete of the 2026 Olympics was Norwegian skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, who secured six gold medals, solidifying his status as one of the best athletes of modern times.

Despite the unpleasantness surrounding her return, Adelia Petrosyan continues to work on her development in figure skating. Her experience at the Olympics will undoubtedly serve as an important stage in her career, providing her with new opportunities for growth and improvement.

This incident underscores the importance of supporting athletes during challenging times when political circumstances can impact their activities. Sports should unite people, not divide them, and it is crucial that such incidents do not recur in the future.