Olympic champion Veronika Stepanova responded on her social networks to the words of the Russian Minister of Sports Oleg Matytsin that athletes in Spartakiad are not motivated by money.
“Oleg Vasilyevich, five medals in Spartakiad is great, but I am more interested in how many children I inspired to take up skiing with my results. And apparently you were embarrassed to say that I won two million in prize money in five days. And I won’t be shy. Of course, not as much as you can earn from Mr.Beast’s videos (older generation, relax, this is not your format). And the medals have long been forgotten in the closet,” Stepanova wrote.
Stepanova won five awards at the Strongest Spartakiad (three gold and two silver).
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. Russian skiers and biathletes missed the remainder of the 2021/22 season and the next two seasons.
In February 2024, skiers took part in the second All-Russian Spartakiad. It took place from 9 to 18 February 2024 on the territory of the five constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
Previously Vyalbe denied Think of Russian skiers and biathletes as one family.