Norwegian journalist NRK Jan Petter Saltvedt said that the president of the Russian Ski Racing Federation (RFSR), Elena Välbe, said that foreign skiers envy Russian counterparts against the background of the Winter Spartakiad. The journalist’s words were quoted Sports24.
“Do foreigners watch Russian competitions and get jealous? This sounds like Miss Vyalbe’s bad joke. I’m sure you don’t believe a word he says. On the contrary, she wants to return herself and her athletes to international competitions as soon as possible. Unfortunately, this has now become impossible and his words only resemble sad despair.
We foreigners couldn’t watch Russian matches even if we really wanted to. Unfortunately, Ms. Vyalbe, no one wants to publish these,” said the Norwegian.
At the end of February 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) appealed to international sports federations, recommending that Russian and Belarusian athletes not be allowed to participate in any competitions.
Thus, in the spring of 2022, the International Ski Federation (FIS), on the recommendations of the IOC, decided to suspend Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions until the end of the season. This decision was later extended. Russians compete only in local tournaments.
Previously Russian skier reported for a small salary.