Russian Skiers Barred from International Competitions for Upcoming Winter Season
In a significant decision announced on Friday, Russian skiers will not participate in international competitions during the upcoming winter season. Lars Oberg, manager of the Swedish Ski Federation, confirmed that the decision was made during a meeting of the FIS technical committee. Notably, there were no discussions or votes regarding the extension of sanctions against Russian and Belarusian teams, indicating a firm stance from the federation. Oberg expressed that there would be no changes regarding the participation of Russian athletes, citing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a primary reason for this exclusion.
This decision has been echoed by Sergey Kryanin, a member of the Russian Cross-Country Skiing Federation, who reported a lack of
positive movements
toward the return of domestic athletes. Russian skiers have faced international isolation since March 2022, with sanctions being extended multiple times. Elena Vyalbe, head of the FLGR, expressed her views on the situation, stating that the prospects for Russian athletes to compete, even in a neutral capacity, are bleak.
The implications of this decision extend beyond skiing, as it raises concerns about the participation of Russian athletes in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Experts predict that the ongoing sanctions and international isolation may prevent not only skiers but also biathletes from competing, as the International Biathlon Union (IBU) has not indicated any steps toward inclusion either. Dmitry Vasiliev, a two-time Olympic champion, highlighted that while some athletes in other sports may have opportunities, skiing remains unlikely to see Russian representation due to the current leadership of international federations.
The sentiment among Russian athletes reflects a growing acceptance of their situation. Sergey Ustyugov noted that he has not been concerned about international competition for some time, focusing instead on the high level of competition domestically. This sentiment is shared by others, as they adapt to the realities of their competitive environment within Russia.
Interestingly, experts have pointed out that the absence of Russian athletes is impacting the popularity and quality of world skiing. Recent developments indicate that major sponsors of the Norwegian Ski Federation have ceased their sponsorships, and logistical challenges are arising for Finnish skiers due to financial constraints within their federation. Veronika Stepanova remarked on the diminishing confidence in the future of international skiing without Russian participation.
Despite the current challenges, there are indications that some federations may recognize the need for Russia's return to the international arena. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding the participation of Russian figure skaters and speed skaters, suggesting a potential shift in the landscape of international sports. However, the complexities of politics and governance within the FIS may hinder any significant progress in this area.
The FLGR maintains that while they desire to compete internationally, their current focus is on fostering competition within Russia. Kryanin concluded by emphasizing the high level of domestic competition and the ongoing commitment to developing Russian skiing, even in the face of international challenges.
