Journalist Petterson: Swedish skiers were ready to miss the World Cup if the Russians were admitted
Swedish journalist Thomas Petterson rejoiced at the absence of Russian skiers at the 2023 World Championships in Planica, Slovenia. He spoke about this in the FasterSkier podcast.
“Before the World Cup, there was a lot of talk about the return of Russia. There were even moments when it seemed that the Russians would be allowed in here, in Planitsa. This did not happen – thank God! – he said and added that many Swedish skiers were ready to boycott the competition if the Russians were admitted.
At the same time, the journalist said that men’s cross-country skiing had become boring without the Russians. “I don’t want to see them here. But, of course, racing with them would be much more exciting, ”said the Swede. In his opinion, the International Ski Federation (FIS) will return the Russians to tournaments next season in order to improve financial performance.
On February 7, a member of the FIS Executive Committee, Alexander Panzhinsky, spoke about financial losses due to the absence of Russians. Panzhinsky said that the FIS executive committee discussed the loss of viewership, as well as financial losses from the sale of rights to TV broadcasts.
Russian skiers miss the season in the international arena due to sanctions imposed on them by the FIS.
Source: Lenta
Kingston 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.
