Oslo (AP) – Members of the Russian cross-country skiing team had to put their hands on their truck before their early departure from Holmenkollen near Oslo.
A Ukrainian flag and the words “Glory to Ukraine” were sprayed on the side of the truck trailer in protest at Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The Russian team members attempted to remove the flag and writing before heading home.
Out of solidarity with Ukraine, the World Ski Association Fis had excluded Russian and Belarusian athletes from the rest of the World Cup season. “In order to ensure the safety of all athletes in FIS competitions, the FIS Council unanimously decided that from now on no Russian or Belarusian athlete will be allowed to participate in FIS competitions at any level until the end of the season,” the association announced. The Fis follows a corresponding recommendation of the IOC.