PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Last ski season, there was debate about whether Russian and Belarusian skiers would be allowed to participate.
Someone who took a clear stand against it was Linn Svahn.
– For me, it feels important to stand up for what I believe in and to be able to keep a straight back, she says.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there has been a constant debate about whether Russian and Belarusian athletes and teams should be allowed to participate in competitions and championships. In many cases, the answer has been no, so also in skiing.
Svahn takes a stand
Lynn Svahn23, was together with Maja Dahlqvist, 29, one of those who was most clear about where she stood on the issue. But she is unsure whether her and Dahlqvist’s statement had any impact on the International Skiing Federation (FIS).
– I hope that it is a decision based on the fact that it is the only reasonable decision to make. Regardless of the criticism or stance from activists, I hope that it is a decision that would have been taken regardless, says Svahn during a press conference.
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Regardless, the 23-year-old wants to be clear about his views.
– For my own part, it feels important to be clear about what I stand for and what I think I’m willing to do, what the consequences will be for myself if a decision is made that I don’t think is justified, she says.
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Call to Fis
Fis announced last spring that Russian and Belarusian are suspended “until further notice”. Svahn thinks it should stay that way.
– For me, it feels important to stand up for what I believe in and to be able to be straight-laced on that issue. As the situation is now, I don’t see any other alternative than that Fis will make the same decision when it has to be taken here towards next season as well.
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No new information for next season has come from Fis.
– We just have to wait and see, no decision has been made, how the season will look. But at the moment, I can’t see anything other than that it should be like it was last year as well this season, says Svahn.
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