Elena Vyalbe, president of the Russian Ski Racing Federation, announced her plan to take part in the series event known as the “Russian Ski Track” scheduled for February 10, as reported by RIA News.
“Tomorrow is the Russian Ski Slope,” she noted, adding that she would join the start and even took a practice session of about an hour that day to prepare. Vyalbe emphasized the practical step of remembering to retrieve her skis from the designated location before heading to the starting line. The event is set to unfold on the ski slope in Tyumen, as described by the federation’s head.
Vyalbe is renowned in the sport, boasting three Olympic gold medals and a total of 14 world titles. She concluded her competitive career after the Nagano Games in 1998, leaving a lasting legacy in Russian alpine and cross-country skiing.
In spring 2022, following recommendations from the International Olympic Committee, the International Ski Federation (FIS) decided to suspend Russian and Belarusian athletes from international competitions through the end of the season. This measure was later extended, limiting many athletes to local or regional events rather than global circuits.
Looking ahead to February, Russian skiers will participate in the Spartakiad of the Strongest, running from February 9 to 18. The event traverses five regions of Russia, including Chelyabinsk, Sverdlovsk, Tyumen, Krasnodar, and Krasnoyarsk, showcasing wide regional participation and a broad array of disciplines.
Earlier statements from Vyalbe had referenced Olympic champion Yulia Stupak, who has publicly discussed struggles related to mental health. This acknowledgment has sparked conversations about athlete welfare and the ongoing pressures faced by elite competitors.