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The question of whether Russian and Belarusian skiers should be welcomed back despite the war in Ukraine divides the Swedish national team.
– Skiing is such a small sport, so I think that in the end we will still need the Russians, says Calle Halfvarsson.
– My opinion is that nothing has changed and therefore no change should be made, says Linn Svahn.
In connection with that Karin Mattssonpresident of the Swedish Skiing Association, was elected to the board of the International Skiing and Snowboarding Federation (FIS), she expressed concern that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would put pressure on FIS about Russian participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy .
Although the war in Ukraine is still going on.
– Yes, I’m worried. Absolutely, because the risk is there, says Karin Mattsson and points out that within Fi’s board, the four Nordic representatives agree not to let in Russian skiers right now.
Russian and Belarusian skiers have not been allowed to compete in the Skiing World Cup since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, just days after the Beijing Winter Olympics ended.
– You’ve almost gotten used to them not being there. It’s terrible but at the same time skiing is such a small sport so I think in the end we will still need the Russians in the sport, says Calle Halfvarsson.
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He continues:
– Even if they have a history of a lot of shit and misery, they (Russia) are still a great nation in skiing and we will need them. Yes, it is both good and bad if they come back before the war is over. Everything gets weird. Are they going to go without a flag and that?
Missing Russia
Jonna Sundling lacks the Russian competition.
– I think it’s fun if you get to compete against everyone. Actually, I miss them. It is a very difficult situation. I can’t say what is right or wrong, she says.
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She personally feels no discomfort if the Russians and Belarusians were to be welcomed back to the Olympics, which begin in a year and a half. But they think it would be unfunny if those who explicitly supported President Vladimir Putin were to join.
– It is a special situation. It also feels strange to suddenly take them back. Nothing has changed. I think it’s a shame the way the world looks today. But you really want everyone to be involved.
Lynn Svahn wants to keep the Russians out as long as the war lasts.
– My opinion is that nothing has changed and therefore no change should be made. But it is always a political game and it has to do with so many more factors such as economics here and there, she says.
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