"Are the Russians coming back?": Norwegians worried, Bolshunov and Co. on the way

Norwegian journalist Thomas Harstad said that the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) is already discussing the return of Russian athletes to tournaments.

"The noise behind the scenes is growing. Recently, several Russian skiers visited a high-altitude training camp in Italy. Among them is the main star — Alexander Bolshunov. And more recently, FIS President Johan Elias supported the decision to allow Russians to participate in the 2026 Olympic Games as neutral athletes. He refused an interview with Dagbladet during the World Cup in Trondheim, but his position has not changed. Discussions have already begun in the corridors of the FIS about what to do in the event of a potential return of Russia," Harstad quotes the Championship.

According to the Norwegian, the suspension of Russian skiers has become an urgent topic for discussion among foreign media even on the victory day of five—time Olympic champion Johannes Klebo in skiathlon at the 2025 World Championships in Trondheim:

"Even on such a day, the removal of Russia was an urgent topic. During the race, several journalists began to discuss that Russian athletes would have made more effort to reset the Klebo before the finish acceleration. After all, this is exactly how we know Russian skiers: aggressive, fearless and proud."

Recall that the FIS suspended Russian athletes in March 2022 against the background of events on Ukraine. Earlier, the head of the FIS, Johan Eliash, allowed the Russians to return in a neutral status on conditions similar to the Olympics-2024 in Paris.

In turn, the Olympic champion in speed skating, State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova suggested that international sports federations return Russians to competitions in a neutral status.:

"The Europeans could admit that they treated our athletes unfairly. If this had taken place, it would have been a good result of the negotiations. If Norwegians and Scandinavians in general speak positively about us, this is a completely different matter. Viewers, of course, are interested in watching tournaments with all participants, including Russia and Belarus.

I would suggest that many international federations at least include ours in a neutral status, and in the process return the flag and anthem. Europeans should not be afraid of competition, competitions lack intrigue, drive, entertainment and interest in broadcasts."

Meanwhile, the American forward of Neftekhimik, Riley Barber, expressed hope that the Russian national ice hockey team will be allowed to participate in the 2026 Olympic Games.:

"If Russia doesn't go to the Olympics, it won't be fair. A medal cannot be called really golden if one of the best teams did not play in the tournament. There are too many good players in Russia to unhook it. If these guys can't go to the Olympics, it will be very sad. They worked so hard to get there. I hope that everything will be resolved positively and all the strongest will take part in the tournament."