Karlsson on Russian skiers: "It's a dilemma"

Russian cross-country skiers should still be banned from the World Cup and championships, believes Swedish star Frida Karlsson. At the same time, she wonders how the skiers in Russia are doing. Are they competing? Have they quit? You really don't know, says the 25-year-old.

» Published:

Karlsson on Russian skiers: "It's a dilemma"
Photo: Daniel Kihlström/TT

Share this article

Athletes from Russia and Belarus have not been allowed to compete in the Ski World Cup since Russia's full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022.

So it should remain, thinks star athlete Frida Karlsson.

This issue is a dilemma. It's extremely sorry for the individuals, but at the same time, there is no difference in society now. So I don't understand why we would make any difference in terms of rules now either, says Karlsson to TT during the high-altitude training camp in Italian Lavazé.

"Have they quit?"

Is this a question you discuss in the national team?

No, I wouldn't say that. More than that we can now and then wonder how the situation is with the Russian skiers now. You don't have a clue. What are they doing? Are they competing? Have they quit? It's completely blank for us. You don't know anything really.

National team colleague Ebba Andersson trusts that leading persons in the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (Fis) will make the right decision.

They are welcome back when the time is right for it. There are many others who are the right people to decide, says Andersson.

During the national team's camp in Trondheim in August, there were partly divided opinions.

You've almost gotten used to them not being there. It's terrible, but at the same time, skiing is such a small sport, so I think that in the end, we'll need the Russians in the sport, said Calle Halfvarsson.

"Nothing has changed"

Linn Svahn stated that she wants to keep the Russians out as long as the war is going on.

My opinion is that nothing has changed, and therefore, no change should be made, said Svahn.

Karin Mattsson resigned as chairman of the Swedish Ski Association at the end of August, but last summer, she expressed concern that the IOC (International Olympic Committee) would put pressure on Fis to allow Russian participation in the 2025 Winter Olympic Games in Italian Milano and Cortina.

Yes, I'm worried. Absolutely, since the risk exists, said Karin Mattsson.

Individual Russian and Belarusian athletes were allowed to participate in the summer OS in Paris under a neutral flag and with demands for neutrality, but not in all sports. For example, athletics has completely excluded athletes from the countries.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Montler Places Seventh in Long Jump Final at World Championship

Montler Places Seventh in Long Jump Final at World Championship

Henrik Larsson Sets Personal Best but Misses Direct Semifinal Spot

Henrik Larsson Sets Personal Best but Misses Direct Semifinal Spot

Felicia Granat's Cruciate Ligament Injury Sidelines Her for 2025-2026 Season

Felicia Granat's Cruciate Ligament Injury Sidelines Her for 2025-2026 Season

Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold Out for Weeks with Injury

Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold Out for Weeks with Injury

Björn Borg Opens Up About Cocaine Addiction in New Autobiography

Björn Borg Opens Up About Cocaine Addiction in New Autobiography

Tokyo World Championship: Humidity Challenges Asthmatic Runner

Tokyo World Championship: Humidity Challenges Asthmatic Runner

Beijing Criticizes Police Directive Alongside Allsvenskan Clubs

Beijing Criticizes Police Directive Alongside Allsvenskan Clubs

Footballer Thomas Partey Denies Rape Allegations in London Court

Footballer Thomas Partey Denies Rape Allegations in London Court

Andreas Almgren Pursues World Championship Medal in 5000 Meters

Andreas Almgren Pursues World Championship Medal in 5000 Meters

Jakob Ingebrigtsen Set to Compete in 5,000 Meters at World Championship

Jakob Ingebrigtsen Set to Compete in 5,000 Meters at World Championship

HockeyAllsvenskan Playoff Format Changes for Upcoming Season

HockeyAllsvenskan Playoff Format Changes for Upcoming Season

UK Sprinter Reprimanded for Religious Headband at World Championship

UK Sprinter Reprimanded for Religious Headband at World Championship

Shooting Near Beach Volleyball Arena in Brazil Alarms Olympic Stars

Shooting Near Beach Volleyball Arena in Brazil Alarms Olympic Stars

Lisa Lilja Retires from Sprinting, Partner Thobias Montler Confirms

Lisa Lilja Retires from Sprinting, Partner Thobias Montler Confirms

Thomas Partey Booed During Villarreal vs Tottenham Match

Thomas Partey Booed During Villarreal vs Tottenham Match

Police Mask Ban Directive in Allsvenskan Sparks Anger and Concern

Police Mask Ban Directive in Allsvenskan Sparks Anger and Concern

Lucas Bergvall Shines in Champions League Debut for Tottenham

Lucas Bergvall Shines in Champions League Debut for Tottenham

Västervik Triumphs in Rain-Interrupted Speedway Final

Västervik Triumphs in Rain-Interrupted Speedway Final

Luleå Stages Dramatic Comeback to Win SM Final Replay Against Brynäs

Luleå Stages Dramatic Comeback to Win SM Final Replay Against Brynäs

Möregårdh Leads Eslöv to Victory in Table Tennis League Opener

Möregårdh Leads Eslöv to Victory in Table Tennis League Opener