Two-time Olympic champion in biathlon Dmitry Vasiliev said that he is waiting for the decision of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to extend the suspension of Russian athletes. He shared his opinion with him RIA News.
“It was to be expected, I didn’t feel any hope. There are two factors that need to change for us to be accepted. First of all, the suspension will not be lifted while the SVO is ongoing. Secondly, we cannot expect anything good as long as “leaders” like Thomas Bach are in power and destroy the Olympic movement,” said the former biathlete.
On October 25, a meeting of the FIS was held, and members of the organization came to the conclusion that Russian and Belarusian athletes would be suspended from participation in the World Cup season in cross-country skiing.
In the spring of 2022, the FIS, following the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), decided to suspend Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions until the end of the season. This decision was later extended for the 2022/23 season.
At the meeting of the IOC Executive Committee on March 28, 2023, it was proposed to allow the Russians to remain in neutral status if the athletes are not actively involved in supporting military operations.
Previously Vasilyev named The Swedish skier is crazy for refusing to compete with the Russians.