Yuri Borodavko, the senior coach of Russia’s national cross-country ski team, explained that Olympic champion Alexander Bolshunov places the fault for his downturn in skiathlon squarely on his own shoulders. According to Borodavko, Bolshunov’s reflection came through a candid conversation with Match TV, where the skier acknowledged the personal struggle behind recent results. The coach framed the moment not as a complaint about equipment, coaching, or the conditions but as a rare public admission of accountability. In Bolshunov’s view, the path back to his best form begins with a clear eyed assessment of his own performance, a mindset Borodavko called serious and instructive for the rest of the team.
Bolshunov’s fall during the race drew immediate attention. There was contact on landing, and it appeared that Sasha was briefly obscured from the judges and cameras in a blind spot. Investigators later noted that Gorbunov’s move had been unintended collision rather than an act of aggression. Bolshunov walked away from the incident shaken yet physically unhurt, while Borodavko stressed that the most important takeaway was Bolshunov’s willingness to shoulder the blame, a sign of his resolve to learn from the mistake rather than churn blame outward. The incident sparked discussions about racecraft and track geometry, yet Bolshunov’s resilience stood out as much as the mishap.
Sergey Ardashev claimed victory in the skiathlon, followed by Savely Korostelev in second and Ilya Semikov in third. Bolshunov stayed with the front group as the finish approached, but a fall forced him to retreat and he ultimately crossed the line in 23rd position. The result highlighted the depth of Russian talent in the discipline and showed Bolshunov’s current volatility on the demanding course.
With about a kilometer to go Bolshunov crashed and walked the final stretch with his skis in hand. As the line neared, he directed a harsh expletive at a rival skier after a tense exchange on the track.
On January 15 Bolshunov resurfaced despite ongoing health problems, signaling his stubborn commitment to competition. He participated in the Kazan stage of the Russian Cup scheduled from January 16 to 19, demonstrating a readiness to push through discomfort in pursuit of form. The choice highlighted the tough balance elite athletes must manage between recovery, training demands, and a crowded competition calendar, especially when injuries and illness have disrupted the season.
By late February 2022 the International Olympic Committee issued a directive to international sports federations, recommending that athletes from Russia and Belarus not be allowed to participate in competitions. The move reflected broader sanctions and the complex geopolitical context surrounding the sport, affecting Bolshunov and other athletes training under national banners during this time. The episode sparked discussions about eligibility, neutrality, and the long term impact on athletes who face external pressure while chasing Olympic dreams.
Earlier Bolshunov drew attention at the Race of Champions, an event that pairs champions from different sports in a rare, celebratory competition. His performances there added to the aura surrounding his skiing career and the scrutiny that followed him on the international stage. The later results and the reactions to them formed a thread in the wider story of Bolshunov’s career, his ambitions, and the expectations that accompany a star athlete at major events.