The 15 Russian 'neutrals' at Paris Olympics politically isolated and rarely in spotlight

Rarely on the podium and barred from the opening ceremony, the 15 Russians competing at the Paris Olympics have an uneasy status as "Individual Neutral Athletes" following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Some in the Olympic Village opposed them taking part in the Summer Games, and Russian opinion is divided.

In Russia, the Olympics aren't being shown on TV and some politicians and media figures have even described those willing to compete in Paris as traitors.

It's a complex environment for the athletes, some of them teenagers, to navigate and they're wary of talking about politics or the war.

What do the Russian athletes think?

"My family is proud of me, that's all that matters," said tennis player Diana Shnaider, who is scheduled to play in the women's doubles final Sunday.

The 20-year-old former college player for North Carolina State said it was "amazing" to be at her first Olympics.

"There are still a lot of people from my country in the stands and they are still putting in a lot of support. I heard words of encouragement today," she said after winning in Thursday's quarterfinals.

Tennis players like Shnaider and 2021 U.S. Open winner Daniil Medvedev are used to dealing with the media and playing around the world without a Russian flag. Others seem a little overwhelmed.

Anzhela Bladtceva, a 19-year-old trampolinist, placed fifth in her event Friday and clutched a stuffed animal as she spoke with media afterward.

"There are so many emotions, so many people, everyone is so kind and happy and so helpful," she said.

Bladtceva said she was spending time in the Olympic Village with a trampolinist friend from Azerbaijan and she hadn't been asked about the war. "No one asks at all, they ask if it was hard for us to get