Chepalova Challenges FLGR Leader Over Junior Race Safety

Three-time Olympic champion and two-time world champion Russian skier Yulia Chepalova publicly challenged Elena Vyalbe, the president of the Russian Cross Country Federation (FLGR), over her comments regarding the performance level of athletes after a mass-start 10-kilometer race for girls. The event, held amid a climate of intense scrutiny, drew a large number of competitors who faced serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital. Chepalova’s critique underscored a broader conversation about athlete safety, preparation, and the responsibility of national leadership in ensuring proper conditions for young competitors. The moment was captured and reported by Match TV, amplifying the public dialogue around the incident and the federation’s response. Chepalova’s stance reflected a demand for accountability and a call for more robust safeguarding measures in junior events that influence the future of the sport. The intensity of the moment highlighted the tension between leadership expectations and grassroots realities, as national figures weigh in on whether support and infrastructure are meeting the needs of developing athletes.