In the week, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (Fis) finally decided to continue stopping Russian and Belarusian skiers from competing internationally. The decision, which, among other things, affects the Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina in February, is gratifying, says Linn Svahn.
She means that as long as the Russian invasion of Ukraine is ongoing, the ban should apply.
There has been no change there and I still think that Russians should not participate. So it just feels reasonable, says Svahn.
Sports do differently
The Swedish cross-country star has been one of those who have taken the clearest stance on the issue. In interviews with Expressen and Norwegian TV2, she has even said that she is ready to skip the Olympic Games if Russia and Belarus are allowed to participate.
Did you really feel that way?
It was at least nice that we did not end up at a point where you had to make such a decision. I was still nervous the day the decision was to be made. I really hoped it would be a no.
Other sports have reasoned differently. For example, both the International Skating Union (figure skating, short track, speed skating) and the International Federation for Alpine Skiing have said yes to Russian and Belarusian athletes. Sports such as ice hockey, curling, and biathlon have said no.
Sad - but reasonable
But even Linn Svahn's national team colleague Ebba Andersson thinks that Fis' decision was ultimately the only reasonable one.
It's a pity that we are still in a situation where the war is ongoing to the extent that it is. And it's a pity that we don't get to meet strong participation from the Russian side, but in this equation, it feels most reasonable, says Ebba Andersson.
Because nothing has really changed in the last four years.
