Are you seeing Russian skiers at the Norwegian World Cup? The Norwegian Federation opposes, but only the International Ski Federation can make a decision
Norway will compete in the World Ski Cup on Thursday in Drammen on sprint races and on the weekend in Holmenkollen in the women’s 30 kilometers and the men’s 50 kilometers.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine has been actively responded to in the sports world. Many sports competitions in Russia, such as the Champions League final, have been relocated and Poland and Sweden, for example, have refused to play in the World Cup qualifiers against Russia.
However, the Russian skier with these prospects is participating in competitions and traveling to Norway. According to SVT, the Russian team’s buses have been seen in the Stockholm area.
– I don’t think Russians should take part in competitions. Our member country, Ukraine, is under attack from the Russians. It cannot be the case that they have to fight in their home country when athletes from the attacking country are allowed to participate, FIS Director of Cross-Country Skiing Vegard Ulvang said to NRK.
Over the weekend, the Norwegian Ski Association released a bulletin saying Russian athletes are not welcome to the Norwegian World Cup. The Russians competed in the Salpausselä World Cup in Lahti over the weekend, where they did not see any Ukrainian skiers.
Chairman of the Finnish Ski Association Markku Haapasalmi According to the FIS, national ski associations do not have the power to exclude athletes from any country from competitions under the FIS.
Norwegian ski star Therese Johaug is on the same lines as the country’s ski association, although it is said that the situation is annoying for Russian athletes.
– I understand they have nothing to do with it. But on the other hand, their participation would not be right. Representing Russia and its symbols would be completely wrong in this situation.
The organizer of the Holmenkollen competitions tells SVT Sport that it supports the Norwegian Ski Association’s goal of preventing Russian athletes from competing. However, the decision is in the hands of the International Ski Federation.
– It is up to the FIS or the authorities to stop them. But they have not said no to the Russians, so they will come to Norway as it now appears, he said Stefan MarxCEO of the Holmenkollen Ski Festival.