Elena Vyalbe, President of the Russian Ski Racing Federation (FLGR), said that she would consider athletes who accept to compete without a flag and without an anthem as traitors, according to the conditions recommended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Signing a document on disagreement with Russian policy.
“I believe 99.99% of Russian athletes would answer “no” in response to the requirement to fill out a disclaimer and compete without a flag and anthem.
Will the state cut the money for those who say “yes”? For me, this person will be a traitor and will not be able to get any help, ”quotes Vyalba. “Match TV”.
Recall that in the spring the International Ski Federation (FIS) decided to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions until the end of last season. On October 22, this decision was extended for the 2022/23 season.
At a meeting of the IOC executive committee on March 28, it was recommended that the Russians be allowed a neutral status if the athletes did not actively support the hostilities. Athletes representing law enforcement and armed forces will not be allowed to compete.
Dmitry Vasiliev, a two-time Olympic champion declarationironically, he refers to the record of Norwegian skiers in the absence of the Russians.