Norwegian journalist NRK Jan Petter Saltvedt responded to the words of Olympic champion Alexander Bolshunov, who described the cross-country skiing competition among Norwegians during the World Cup stages as upsetting.
“I am not surprised by Mr. Bolshunov’s comments. He can’t say anything else, can he? It’s a sad situation for everyone, but skiing doesn’t matter in the current conditions. That’s why no one really misses Russian skiers like Alexander Bolshunov. “The World Cup continues as normal without Russian athletes,” he said. sports24.
Recall that the International Ski Federation (FIS) decided to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions until the end of last season, and then extended the sanctions.
Norway’s Johannes Klebo is leading the World Cup overall standings this season. Last season he was also the winner, ahead of Alexander Bolshunov.
The last major international tournament for Bolshunov was the 2021/22 World Cup, held in Lahti (Finland).
Formerly Alexander Bolshunov admitted that he felt uncomfortable in the absence of international starts.