For the first time in 16 years, it’s time for the World Cup premiere without Charlotte Kalla.
But also Russian skiers are gone.
– It is super sad that the sport is dragged along, she tells TT.
After Russia invaded Ukraine, scores of sports stars have been affected. Already during the last season, the ski stars had to stand aside in the form of suspension, and during the summer there have been many discussions as to whether Russian skiers should continue to be suspended this winter as well.
Honest words about the Russians
The decision was tough. Skaters who Alexander Bolshunov and Veronica Stepanova can compete on their own in Russia during the winter, when they are still suspended from the World Cup, and most likely also during the WC, which starts in February. The fact that the Russian skaters are missing undoubtedly makes the competition less dense for stars such as Frida Karlsson and Ebb Andersson, but the debate remains; Was it really right?
It is also a unique World Cup premiere in other ways. Charlotte Call has finished his career, and for the first time in 16 years it is time for the premiere in Ruka without Kalla. The Swede now gives her verdict that the Russian skiers are missing – and she believes it is right.
– They have been involved and made an impression. Just look at last season at the Olympics and the World Cup. They have many placements high up. It’s super sad that the sport is dragged along. But we have to mark with democracy that we distance ourselves from the insane war, by not letting those riders come in and compete, she tells TT.
READ MORE: The new picture of Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson – which is highly praised by the Swedes: “So nice, what girls!”
“Thought it would be weirder”
Charlotte Kalla is one of Sweden’s greatest athletes ever, and she has said that it feels sad not to start another season. But it feels better than she expected.
– I thought it would feel weirder. It is different to sit on the TV couch by choice. Not due to injury or illness. In the past, it has not always been associated with positive decisions and reasons, she says.
Charlotte Kalla also gets the chance to pick a name she believes in extra in the premiere – and then highlights a Swedish super doll.
– It will be exciting to follow Edwin Indicates. His results and performances in Bruksvallarna (third and fourth in the distance races) were exciting, I think.
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