FIS president backs Russian athletes at 2026 Winter Olympics
The President of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), Johan Eliasch, supports the participation of Russians in the Winter Olympics in Milan in 2026.
The president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), Johan Eliasch, has expressed support for the participation of Russian athletes in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan in 2026. According to the InsideTheGames, Eliasch believes that the programme of admitting neutral athletes, which proved effective during the Summer Olympics in Paris, should continue.
Eliasch, who is a candidate for the position of President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), emphasised that athletes should not be penalised for their place of birth. In an interview with the "Sweden Herald," he noted that he would like Russian and Belarusian athletes to be able to compete under a neutral flag, without a national anthem and without connections to the military or police.
Norwegian journalist Jan Petter Saltvedt from the NRK channel pointed out that countries opposed to the participation of Russians still have strong arguments for their exclusion. However, if a truce with Ukraine occurs, the return of Russian athletes to the international arena might be quicker.
Saltvedt highlighted statements by Jelena Vyalbe, the head of the Russian ski federation, which he believes complicate the process of admitting Russians to competition.
Her continuous idiotic and provocative statements contribute to the strong opposition against allowing Russian athletes to compete, he added.
The return of Bolshunov to the international scene
Aleksandr Bolshunov, a three-time Olympic champion, is returning to international competition after a three-year hiatus. He will compete in the 30-kilometre Sudtirol Moonlight Classic race, which is not held under the auspices of FIS. Participation in this event is possible after paying an entry fee of approximately £60.
Saltvedt emphasised that Bolshunov's presence in Italy and his training on Olympic courses may signal that there might be a chance for his participation in the Olympics next year. "Of course, there have been signals that a chance to compete in the Olympics may present itself next year, and he wants to be as well-prepared as possible,” commented Saltvedt.
