PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Russian star Veronika Stepanova has not competed in a year.
Now she sends a clear pass to Swedish Linn Svahn.
– Because she has talked so much about us Russians, says the Russian to the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet.
Russia’s skiers have been suspended from all competitions this season, both in terms of the World Cup and the World Ski Championships in Planica. Because of the nation’s brutal warfare against Ukraine that is still ongoing.
Linn Svahn’s words
It has been a heated debate throughout the season and Swedish Lynn Svahn is one of those who has been most clear that she will boycott competitions if Russian skaters are welcomed back again. The stance has caused the 23-year-old to become unpopular in Russia.
The article continues after the picture.
Russian ski star Veronika Stepanova is the one who has been the most vocal in the last year and on several occasions she has expressed her dissatisfaction with the ban. The Russian also directly attacked Svahn after her statements about the boycott.
READ MORE: Norway’s clear demands after the Swedish national ski team broke the rules: “It can’t be like that”
Russian play
It has now been a year without Stepanova competing in cross-country skiing, prompting her to take drastic action. The Russian now wants to compete against the world elite again and invites skiers to a duel at a neutral arena in Dubai.
– I don’t think we need to wait until Fis (International Ski Federation) gives us the green light again to compete internationally. There are many neutral arenas where we can already compete. I would like to meet Kristine Stavås Skistad or any Swedish sprinter in a duel, in Dubai for example, she says in an interview with the Norwegian newspaper Dagbladet.
The article continues after the picture.
Veronika Stepanova also admits that it was Svahn who received a personal invitation to Dubai, because of her big mouth.
– I have already sent her an invitation, because she has talked so much about us Russians, Stepanova says in the interview.
READ MORE: Stina Nilsson’s sincere words about the future as a biathlete – after the tough season: “I feel that…”
The Russian also reveals that the Swede has not yet responded to the personal invitation to the United Arab Emirates. Linn Svahn made a comeback this season after two tough seasons marred by injury problems and she made a big impression with two fourth places at the 2023 World Ski Championships in Planica.
What do you think of this Russian fit for Linn Svahn? Share the article and have your say!