PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Russian skiers may soon return to the skiing world.
Then Russia directs harsh criticism – against its own skiers.
– They are traitors, says Russian ski pump Jelena Välbe in a statement.
Russian skiers have been a constant debate for the past year. During the season that has been, both Russian and Belarusian skiers have been ported from both the World Cup and the Skiing World Championships, which has caused a strong fury in Russia.
Russian criticism
But earlier this year, the International Olympic Committee, IOC, opened the way for Russians and Belarusians to start competing again under a neutral flag. Then Russia condemned that proposal as completely unacceptable.
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Above all, he was the chairman of the Russian Ski Federation Jelena Välbe really annoyed.
– I consider it unacceptable that we should go to competitions and be doormats, something that you wipe your feet on, she said to the Russian TV channel Match.
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“Are traitors”
Now the Russian ski pump Välbe is out and swinging again with even more acidic criticism. When asked if the athletes themselves should be allowed to decide whether they want to compete under a neutral flag or not, the former skier gives a clear answer.
– I am for each person to be able to decide for themselves. But at the same time, I am deeply convinced that 99.99 percent of Russian athletes will answer “no”, she says in a new interview with Match.
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The IOC also wants to introduce requirements that Russians who want to compete internationally must not support the war against Ukraine nor have any military connection. But the Russians who would go along with such demands risk not getting any government help from their home country.
– For me, they are traitors and should not get any help, says Jelena Välbe in a hard pass to all Russian national team skaters.
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