PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson directed great criticism.
Now Russian rival Veronika Stepanova responds with a firm answer.
“I wouldn’t call it criticism. It is a direct attack,” writes the skiing star to Expressen.
Ever since Russia attacked Ukraine, Russian skiers have been banned from competing at the World Cup. In the past, the Russian star skater has Veronika Stepanova has been strongly critical of the International Skiing Federation’s, Fis, adamant decision.
Frida & Ebba’s criticism
The 23-year-old broke through during the 2022 Winter Olympics when she helped win Olympic gold in the relay. She has since become known for her controversial statements and her continued support for the president Vladimir Putin.
The article continues after the picture.
Recently, Stepanova sat in the audience when Putin addressed the nation in the Russian capital, Moscow. The Swedish skiing stars got it Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson to react strongly and air their clear criticism.
– It’s something you can’t understand. I don’t know how she was brought up and what kind of perspective she got from home, but it’s nothing I stand behind, said Frida at the time.
– Given what Putin has done, it’s not something I would cheer for. It’s too damned what’s happening over there, Ebba also said.
Stepanova answers
Now Veronika Stepanova strikes back against the Swedes with full force. And explains what she did in the audience during Putin’s speech.
“Obviously I felt honoured, but I wasn’t completely surprised. I am well known for my civil activism and have openly expressed my political views,” the Russian writes to Expressen and tells more about her support for the president.
“He is a strong leader for the country who gets stronger and better with each passing year.”
The article continues after the picture.
The Russian skier is very disappointed with Karlsson and Andersson’s actions and sends a big boot back to his Swedish rivals.
“I wouldn’t call it criticism. It is a direct attack on my values and my beliefs. There is a quote called ‘judge not, or ye shall be judged’. This applies especially when you are not qualified in the subject. I didn’t expect the Swedish skiers to have deep knowledge of international politics, so I wasn’t surprised,” Stepanova writes to the evening newspaper.
READ MORE: Stina Nilsson’s future statement – now confirms what everyone suspected after the big fiasco winter: “I have decided”
She is also completely convinced that Russia will soon be back on the ski slopes and competing again.
“Russia has every right to compete in international sports without any restrictions, just like the USA and Israel, for example. My words and actions should have no significance whatsoever for that, just as whatever Frida Karlsson says should not affect our future return to the world stage,” she writes in a message.
“I have a message for my supporters and detractors. Get ready”.
What do you think of the answer to Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson? Share the article and have your say!
Sign up for our newsletter
Share