On the paralympic side of things, a select group of Russian athletes have been given clearance to compete in Pyeongchang as neutrals providing, like its winter Olympians, they undergo special criteria to prove they are clean. International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons believes Russia is heading in the right direction as it aims to reform following a state-sponsored doping scandal, but also understands suspension is the correct short-term solution.

ANDREW PARSONS IPC PRESIDENT "Despite the solid progress the RPC (Russian Paralympic Committee) has still not met two key reinstatement criteria. These are the full reinstatement of the Russian Anti Doping Agency RUSADA by the World Anti Doping Agency WADA, and the provision of an official response specifically and adequately addressing the findings made by Professor (Richard) McLaren. Because the reinstatement criteria have not been met in full, the IPC (International Paralympic Committee) governing board approved the IPC task force's recommendation to maintain the suspension of the RPC."

The IPC estimate between 30 and 35 Russians will be allowed to compete across five events under the Olympic flag as neutrals when the Paralympics begin on March ninth. This will be the second Paralympics without a Russian team following its exclusion from the Rio games in 2016. The squad of neutral athletes will be less than half the size of the Russian delegation from Sochi four years ago.