The Russian team has been officially suspended from participating in the upcoming cross-country skiing World Cup season, Swedish publication Expressen reported following a meeting of the International Ski Federation in Switzerland.
“There was no discussion. “We have just been informed that the suspension of Russia and Belarus has been extended and their teams will not be in FIS competitions this season.” – said the general director of the Swedish national team Lars Oberg.
Let us remember that Russian skiers have not participated in the World Cup since spring 2022.
For his part, the president of the Russian Ski Federation Elena Vyalbe reacted to the news from the enemy camp:
“The suspension of Russian skiers for the next season is an absolutely expected decision. I see no prospect of us being allowed to attend the Olympic Games, even in a neutral state. “It is not the FIS that makes the decision about the Olympic Games.”
Meanwhile, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach On September 27, he spoke at the congress of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) and conveyed greetings to Moscow and Minsk:
“In a world torn by hate, war and conflict, the Olympic Games can only become an inspiring symbol of the unity of humanity in all its diversity through an unwavering commitment to inclusion.
At the Paris Olympics we saw how well our decision to allow neutral athletes selected under strict conditions worked. “In this way, we could ensure that sport promotes peace, builds bridges and does not deepen confrontation.”
Remember the fifteen neutral “buzoters” from Russia who went to the Games “alone” and even won a silver medal? This is exactly what Bach is proud of.
And the president of the All-Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation of Russia. Irina Viner I understood everything a long time ago and with sadness I say:
“We cannot participate in international competitions, but we organize important tournaments ourselves. Here is our coach. Anastasia Bliznyuk He went to China, coached a team there, and they won an Olympic gold medal for the first time in history. Currently there is a boom in rhythmic gymnastics among children.
And we, Russia, have 51 medals from the Olympic Games, more than 400 medals from the European and World Championships. All the girls who go to rhythmic gymnastics in Russia want to be champions.
Yes, of course, now we need to participate in international competitions. But I don’t really like neutral status, I take it to heart. When we perform at international competitions, everyone always shouts: “Russia!” Everyone supports the country. Now it is very difficult to move to a neutral state.”
You understand, right? Irina Alexandrovna does not see the situation improving and already in September 2024 warns: without neutral status we will not be welcome in official tournaments.
The former world heavyweight boxing champion, State Duma deputy, also speaks sensibly Nikolai Valúv:
“The Olympic movement is a closed issue for Russia for the foreseeable future. Most likely, within the framework of interstate partnerships, we will be able to create something that will be attractive, even for athletes from those countries that are forced to comply with political norms…
In general, the Olympic Games will become a closed sports institute for Russians and, possibly, Belarusians. This is not a quick process. “They decided to fight with us seriously and for the long term.”
But as an Olympic speed skating champion, the State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova commented on the information that the International Skating Union (ISU), at a council meeting on September 27-28, will discuss the issue of admitting Russians for the first time in a year:
“Now at their meetings all federations take turns raising the issue of the return of Russian athletes, not just the ISU. In most cases, they still prohibit entry or only admit young people and children.
If we talk about closed-door discussions, even with Russian representatives, then everyone is waiting and wants to see the Russians at the competitions. But they don’t want to express this publicly.
In some federations it is simply impossible to humiliate Ukraine. And somewhere Ukraine behaves more calmly. So there are chances that they are not carrying out clandestine propaganda to convince the majority of people not to vote for the return of Russia.
I heard that several winter federations began to talk about the possible return of the Russians, if not to the World Championship, then at least to the World Cup and the Grand Prix. There is talk of the gradual return of our athletes, but it is unknown whether this will lead to concrete actions. And if they return it without the flag and the anthem, will the athletes want it? But we will definitely not return now with the flag and the anthem.”
Svetlana Sergeevna, athletes will definitely want to do it, because they are “of a young age for sports” and “came straight from the maternity hospital to the gym” to train, only so that, like before Paris, the weather vane did not turn. and in general assemblies dissent does not become a routine that reminds the rebels of old wounds that they had forgotten.
Well, in short: our skiers will definitely miss the World Cup and, most likely, will not be able to participate in the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy.
Just like the footballers before the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Although sometimes miracles happen. But very rarely.
All others have certain possibilities to participate in official international tournaments in a strictly neutral state. No verbal constructions or departmental tricks. There is a label, but there is no anthem, flag or shield.
And, probably, singing Lazarus is enough: they say that even without national identification we are determined to be from Russia. Where else could there be contest participants dressed in light green clothing, for whom it is not recommended to name their country of residence?
