Indian Shiva Keshavan will compete in the luge event at the 2014 Winter Olympics, despite not being able to represent his nation.
Keshavan has turned out for his country in four previous Games, but India's Olympic Association are currently suspended by the IOC due to an ongoing investigation into corruption.
The 32 year-old will therefore challenge as an Independent Olympic Athlete, swapping an Indian flag on his clothing for a badge of the Olympic rings.
"It's actually quite disappointing because we are professional athletes and we do this for the pride of representing our country," he told Sky Sports News. "That's one of the main motivations, but Indian flag or not, they cannot take the fact away that I'm Indian.
"When I go down the track I'll be supported by so many Indians from all over the world."
Keshavan made his first appearance at a games at just 16 years old during Nagano 1998. He has never won a medal in four attempts, finishing outside of the top 20 on each occasion.
