Last season, the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) allowed some Russians to compete in the World Cup under a neutral flag.
Tove Alexandersson, who this winter tried to qualify for the Olympic Games in the new discipline on the 2026 program, thinks it's a good decision.
All Russians I know are fantastic and incredible people, and I think they should be allowed to participate and compete, she said to SVT on Tuesday.
The statement sparked debate even within orienteering, where Alexandersson is one of the big stars. There, athletes from Russia and Belarus are banned from participating in the World Championship, European Championship, and World Cup.
Critical of Israel and the USA
Gustav Bergman sits on the active committee of the International Orienteering Federation and notes that his teammate's comments have sparked reactions.
It's already something I have to talk about. But I think most people stand firm in what they think. We have an open and good discussion in the national team, says Bergman.
TT: What is the general opinion?
I don't want to speak for others, but I would guess that most don't want them to participate.
He has his opinion clear:
I think it's good with continued sanctions against Russia and Belarus. But there are other countries doing similar things as Russia, whose athletes are not banned. Israel is waging an aggressive war against Palestine. I'm also thinking about how the USA has behaved and made war, including bombing Yemen.
Bergman continues:
It's a complex issue. I know orienteers from Russia and Belarus. Especially those from Belarus who are forced to flee because they stood up against the regime. I wish them to be able to compete, but it's difficult.
Does not share the opinion
Susanne Maarup, secretary-general of the Swedish Orienteering Federation, says this about Tove Alexandersson's opinion:
I must respect that she can express her opinion. But in the federation, we do not share it. We stand firm on our decision not to allow Russian and Belarusian teams and clubs in orienteering competitions.
She explains why there are orienteers from the countries participating in competitions like O-ringen and Tiomila:
A Russian or Belarusian citizen living in Sweden and competing for a Swedish club is participating in the competitions for their Swedish club.
TT has sought Tove Alexandersson.
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that all sports federations stop Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in international competitions.
Most federations followed the recommendation, but there were exceptions. For example, tennis.
In the Olympic Games in Paris last summer, the IOC allowed Russians and Belarusians to compete as neutrals, provided they met certain criteria. Among other things, they did not support the war and were not employed by the Russian or Belarusian military or security service. No Russian or Belarusian teams were allowed to participate.
In the end, about 20 athletes from each country were allowed to participate.
Ahead of the Winter Olympic Games in Italy next year, more and more people are arguing that Russia and Belarus should be welcomed more widely.
The IOC has not made a decision on the matter.
We hope for the best and are preparing for the Olympic Games, said the Russian Ski Federation's chairman Jelena Välbe recently to the Russian TV channel Match TV, according to SVT.
