Photo: Bildbyrån
Pernilla Wiberg wishes to welcome Russian riders.
It causes SVT colleague Björn Ferry to react strongly.
– It feels extremely provocative, he says in the Winter Studio.
Ever since Russia began its offensive warfare against Ukraine just over three years ago, Russian and Belarusian skiers have been suspended. Both at the World Cup in cross-country skiing and biathlon as well as the ski World Cup and the biathlon World Cup they have been completely missing for several seasons.
Russian riders again
Now discussions within the International Olympic Committee, IOC, are being made to welcome the ported skiers back to the Winter Olympics 2026 in Milan/Cortina. But it gets the SVT expert Björn Ferry to react strongly.
Read more: Björn Ferry’s play against Micke Leijnegard in the champion’s champion
The biathlon profile believes that the war must end in order for Russian athletes to return, even though he obviously suffers with some skiers who are affected.
– I would have a hard time seeing Russian athletes, who have openly taken a party for this, compete in the Olympics. It would feel extremely provocative. But those who have nothing to do with this, and never have had, it feels just as strange that their sports careers would be spoiled for something they can’t control. So I probably end up at the individual level. This is difficult, he says in the “Winter Studio”.
Björn Ferry’s anger
SVT colleague Pernilla Wibergwhich also sits on the active Commission at the IOC, welcomes back Russian and Belarusian skiers for the Winter Olympics next year.
– There are statutes that the IOC must relate to. One cannot judge anyone for their political opinion, sexual orientation or what nation it comes from – it is called discrimination. It says on the first side of the Olympic rules, she says in the Winter Studio.
– But it is a very complex issue and an incredible water divider.
Read more: Björn Ferry is raging against TV4’s decision on biathlon in the 2026 Olympics
Björn Ferry reacts with anger and cannot trust the Russian anti -doping work during these years when they have not competed internationally.
– But they should have been tested even now during these three years the war has been going on, Wiberg tells Ferry.
– By whom then? Grandmother? There is no confidence whatsoever that that works and there is no independence that can perform any tests, says the outspoken SVT expert.
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