PHOTO: Bildbyrån
As you know, the Russian and Belarusian skaters are not allowed to compete in the World Cup or the World Cup as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The suspension primarily applies to the current season – but Calle Halfvarsson wants it to be longer than that.
– We can’t just take them back at any time, says Halfvarsson to the Norwegian Nettavisen.
Several of the riders, and also several experts, have been clear for a long time that the Russian riders will not be allowed to participate as long as the war in Ukraine continues. The suspension of the riders primarily applies to the current season, but voices are being raised that the suspension should last longer than that.
Swedish concerns
One of these is the Swedish star Calle Halfvarsson.
– It will be a special situation if the war ends, we can’t just take them back at any time. I don’t know how it works with WADA (the International Doping Federation) either, because they have been away from it too, says Halfvarsson to the Norwegian Nettavisen.
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Halfvarsson is concerned that the Russian skaters are not tested for doping when they are not participating in international contexts, and that there may therefore be things going on behind the scenes.
– I am quite convinced of that. Not with everyone, but I’m sure someone is doing it, he tells the newspaper.
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“At least one year”
Calle Halfvarsson’s proposal is that the now suspended riders should be placed in a form of quarantine before they can return to the international stage.
– There should be a time when they are allowed to undergo checks, a longer time actually. Maybe it should be a year where they have regular tests before they can return. At least a year, he says.
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From WADA, it is believed that tests are carried out regularly even though the Russian skaters do not participate.
– The tests have been maintained in a normal way, but the tests are not carried out by WADA but by the relevant anti-doping organization. In this case, RUSADA (the Russian anti-doping organization) and FIS (the International Ski Federation), says the communications manager James Fitzgerald.
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