The president of the Russian Ski Racing Federation, Elena Vyalbe, commented on the mood around the Paris Olympic Games, noting she did not view the absence as something to celebrate, even though Russians would be sidelined. This perspective was reported by RIA News.
A phrase attributed to Vyalbe underscores a defiant stance: to skip the Olympics is not about avoidance but about standing firm and speaking out. She described herself as a stubborn, outspoken person and reaffirmed her deep commitment to the athletes she coaches and supports.
Yet she acknowledged real heartbreak in the broader context. She compared the situation to a mother losing a child, emphasizing that the pain runs deep and is felt within families and communities connected to sport. She urged unity as a source of resilience and eventual success.
In late February 2022, the International Olympic Committee issued guidance to the Olympic world, advising that Russian and Belarusian athletes should not participate in competitions under the Olympic umbrella.
The IOC’s guidance also outlined changes to participation for athletes from these nations. Competitors who do participate would do so under a neutral flag and would be required to agree to updated terms, including a commitment to uphold the Olympic Charter and the peaceful mission of the Olympic movement. For those who rank highly within their disciplines, the door to competition remained ajar, but only under a neutral status.
Earlier reporting noted that some Russian gymnasts declined to compete under neutral conditions, choosing not to participate under the neutral status in any Olympic setting. It was seen as a broader statement about the role of national teams participating in global events amid political and organizational upheaval.