A recent thread in cross-country circles centers on Olympic champion Alexander Bolshunov and whether he shows interest in racing within Russia. The commentary comes from Dmitry Guberiev, who suggested Bolshunov appears less inclined to compete on Russian soil. The viewpoints circulated through the Telegram channel Ski Race L Lizzerin, a page that blends insider observations with ongoing rumor and analysis about the sport. Guberiev’s remarks invite readers to consider how an athlete’s environment, sponsorships, and national allegiance can shape motivation and career choices, especially for a figure of Bolshunov’s stature. This kind of discourse underscores the broader conversation around national representation, funding dynamics, and the pressures elite athletes navigate when traveling the world for competition. Source: Ski Race L Lizzerin Telegram channel.
In a broader look at how context affects performance, Guberiev floated a hypothetical scenario about a marathon hosted at Holmen College. He argued that the setting would bring a different type of motivation and a distinct Bolshunov, one whose approach and intensity might shift under a different course profile. He also speculated that if a marathon were ever sanctioned to take place in Oslo, Bolshunov could be ready in a short, intense window—roughly three days—should such an event be approved. The implication is that athletes respond to the environment, the nature of the race, and the timing of official permissions, which in turn can sculpt preparation strategies and mental focus for a high-caliber athlete like Bolshunov.
On March 21, the Russian national team’s coach Yuri Borodavko announced that Bolshunov was again dealing with back problems. The disclosure adds a layer of uncertainty to Bolshunov’s planning, since back health can influence training loads, technique, and stamina in endurance skiing. Coaches typically adjust volume, intensity, and recovery plans when such issues arise, aiming to balance recovery with competitive readiness for upcoming events. The announcement also serves as a reminder that even elite champions must navigate recurring physical challenges that can ripple through a season and affect selection decisions for major races.
Earlier in the year, Bolshunov’s performance was highlighted by a victory at the Sudtirol Moonlight Classic in Italy on February 13. The event, held over a 30-kilometer course, saw Bolshunov cross the finish in 1 hour 18 minutes 56.2 seconds. The result demonstrated his versatility in long-distance formats and his capacity to compete under night-time conditions that demand steady pacing, sharp turnarounds, and strong endurance. Such a win reinforces Bolshunov’s reputation as a persistent and adaptable athlete able to shine across varied formats, climates, and race day circumstances.
The sport has also faced governance and sanctioning tensions affecting Russian athletes on the world stage. Since March 2022, athletes from Russia have been suspended from competing in certain international events under the banner of the International Ski Federation (FIS). The sanctions have influenced not only individual athletes but the national program’s ability to participate in global circuits, shaping training plans, exposure to top-level competition, and sponsor relations across seasons. In late January, a presidential candidate for the International Olympic Committee weighed in on how these sanctions have shaped the experience of Russian athletes for the 2024–2026 cycles, underscoring the ongoing friction between governing bodies, eligibility rules, and the pursuit of peak performance under restricted conditions. Such comments reflect the broader dynamics of sanctions, eligibility, and the international sports landscape that Bolshunov and his peers must navigate as they plot their careers.
There was also mention of Olympic champions in relation to Bolshunov, including reports about Johannes Klæbo, suggesting that questions about registration legitimacy arose in connection with Bolshunov’s career. The conversations underscore how rivalries and regulatory considerations intersect in cross-country skiing, sometimes amplifying rumors or shaping public perception as athletes move between national teams, federations, and world events. While specifics vary by source, the pattern is clear: competitive narratives around Bolshunov are interwoven with health status, sanction regimes, and the evolving geopolitical context of sport. This mosaic of factors helps explain why Bolshunov remains a focal point for fans, analysts, and rival athletes alike. Source: Ski Race L Lizzerin Telegram channel.