Russia’s invasion of, which has been going on since February 24, caused many reactions in the world of sport. Most of them are gestures of support for Ukraine and condemnation, or appeals to international federations for reactions regarding sanctions against the aggressor. Many of them have already decided to take such a step.
The International Ski Federation () was resisting for a very long time. The first communiqué stated that Russians and Belarusians could take part, but not under their flag. Ultimately, however, the FIS broke down and excluded the athletes from these countries from all competition. The statement was controversial anyway, as it did not use the word “war”, and the reasons for the exclusion were concerned with the security of the Russians and.
Before the FIS made such a decision, the Norwegians put pressure on the exclusion of representatives of the aggressor states. – Russian players are mostly officers of the Russian army, and their greatest star, Alexander Bolshunov, was promoted to the captain of the national guard after medals in Beijing. We do not want Russian officers on our routes, said the legendary Norwegian ski runner Vegard Ulvang, who is also chairman of the FIS cross-country skiing committee.
Bolshunov in shock after exclusion. “They blame us for everything”
Surprised and clearly disappointed with such behavior is Bolshunov, winner of five medals at the Beijing Olympics (three gold, one silver and one bronze). – Initially, the FIS was on our side, but then they found it dangerous. Our truck has been painted. The behavior of the Norwegians is very unworthy. I am shocked by this – he told Russia Today.
– We were hoping that everything would be solved and that we would be able to compete. Especially that competition and sport are the whole world. We came to Norway and wanted to fight in. The Norwegian federation and the athletes, as I understand it, are against our performance. This is an incomprehensible situation for me. There was no special contact with them in Lahti, and then we did not meet with them. As you can see, they stick to their point and blame us for everything – he said earlier in an interview conducted by championat.com.
Source: Sport
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
