Frida Karlsson has been clear about what she thinks.
Now the Swedish star is celebrated in Norway.
“She doesn’t hide,” writes columnist Esten O. Säter.
There have been big discussions in the skiing world recently. The reason is that Russia eagerly wanted to be welcomed back to the World Cup and to the upcoming World Cup, but many have at the same time been strictly against Russian participation.
Now stopped completely
During the spring, Russian and Belarusian skiers – due to Russia’s war against Ukraine – were not allowed to compete, and this weekend it was finally clear that this will continue to be the case this coming winter as well. The decision has caused considerable anger in Russia, but many in the skiing world are cheering the decision. But there is also some anger towards Fis, the international ski federation.
In a column in the Norwegian Dagbladet, written by the columnist Esten O. Säter, Fis president Johan Eliasch is criticized for not taking a greater stand against Russia. He has previously said that he “does not want to talk about foreign policy issues, but that he is only Fis president”. So there is now a lot of sawing in Norway, this despite the fact that the decision ultimately fell on porting the Russians.
“There is not much to leadership. And it is also ugly towards the many ski stars who have been clear in recent weeks that they want to stop Putin’s propaganda show in its tracks”, writes Säter.
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Celebrated in Norway
And then he also takes the opportunity to pay tribute to Frida Karlsson. The Swede is one of all who said that she does not want to compete against Russian skaters, and in the chronicle she is described as “a brave Swedish star”.
“The still young great skater is also not a ‘foreign politician’ on a daily basis, but does not hide behind any embarrassing excuse. As a cross-country star, she has a responsibility just like you and me. And a much greater influence,” writes Säter.
Frida Karlsson is not the only Swedish skater who has taken a clear stance. Skaters such as Jonna Sundling, Maja Dahlqvist and Linn Svahn have all said that a boycott of the WC was in order if Russian skaters were allowed to compete. The ski season starts in just over a month, with the traditional premiere in Ruka.
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