PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Russian skiers are still ported from the World Cup.
But now the Olympic champion Veronika Stepanova is attracting great criticism.
– It’s nothing that you can stand behind, says Frida Karlsson to Expressen.
While the war against Ukraine is still going on, new presidential elections await in Russia this weekend. Everything points to the current president Vladimir Putin is re-elected and then gets power until 2030.
Stepanova in place
During the election campaign, Putin recently gave a speech in Moscow where several Russian athletes were invited. Among the guests was the wrestling legend Alexander Karelin and the cross-country skier Veronika Stepanova.
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She was and won Olympic gold in the women’s relay two years ago and is one of the country’s top skiers. But due to Russian skiers being banned from the World Cup, Stepanova has had to stay away from the slopes in recent years.
Karlsson reacts
However, that hasn’t stopped her from provoking strong reactions. The Russian has repeatedly shown his open support for Putin and has made controversial statements.
“Today I saw and heard a strong president of a winning country,” Stepanova wrote on Instagram after Putin’s speech in Moscow.
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She saw it as an honor to be present during the 71-year-old’s election campaign. The skiing star’s great support for Vladimir Putin is now being questioned by the Swedish rivals.
– It’s nothing you can stand behind. That will be up to her, says Frida Karlsson annoyed to Expressen.
– It’s something you can’t understand. I don’t know how she was brought up and what perspective she got from home, but in any case it’s nothing I stand behind.
Also the national team colleague Ebba Andersson agree and strongly distance themselves from the rival’s actions.
– Given what Putin has done, it’s not something I would cheer for. It’s too damned what’s happening over there, says the Swede to the evening newspaper.
Quite right for our Swedish women to raise their voices. Share the article and tell us what you think!
READ MORE: Frida Karlsson’s fine words about Linn Svahn – can now become the first Swede ever(!) to succeed: “I don’t think…”
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