Norway does not want the Russians to compete

If the Norwegian solution enters into force, it would be a hard hit for Aleksandr Bolshunov and Gleb Retivyh. AOP

– FIS, think again, asked Gleb Retivyh.

The Russian star skier appealed to the International Ski Federation. The Norwegian Federation sent a letter to the FIS. The message was that Norway does not want the Russians to compete in future competitions.

– We all saw the news, it was everywhere. My opinion is that it is not right if we do not get to race in Norway. I do not think it is right to punish athletes during the war, Retivyh added.

The next cross-country World Cup will be held in Drammen and Oslo.

– Sport cannot remain passive and neutral when we see how Ukrainians suffer. That is why our union is demanding tougher action, the chairman of the Norwegian Ski Association Erik Röste said.

Norwegian skiers commented on their association’s letter as difficult in Lahti. Mathilde Myhrvold could not say or share the matter. Even Northug instead, it was from a broader perspective.

– That is the position of our country’s alliance. I see that it is not just about Russian skiers. The decision certainly seeks to punish the Russian leadership.

The war of aggression launched by Russia continues in Ukraine.

– Waking up to such news was awful. War is the last thing you want to hear. That’s the mind, of course, but maybe competing will help move ideas elsewhere, Northug lamented.

“They’re not dealing”

Krista Pärmäkoski has tried to focus on competition, but it is not easy. The war is a cause for concern among the entire species.

– Sounds wild, and perhaps the reality of the whole war is not yet fully understood. I’m trying to think I’ll take good care of my own plot in Sunday’s race.

Pärmäkoski would be on the side of athletes in the Norwegian issue.

– Of course, the exclusion of the Russians is their decision, but I think that Russian cross-country skiers have nothing to do with the war.

However, the decision alone is not for Norway. The ball is now in the FIS, which has to make the final decision.

On Saturday, the International Olympic Committee issued a recommendation to remove all Russian emblems from competitions. On Salpausselä, the Russian flag was pulled down from the bar.