Journalist and commentator Dmitry Guberniev responded with irony to Elena Vyalbe’s assertion that the acceptance of Russian skiers does not depend on communication with the international federation. Vyalbe, who has led the Russian Ski Racing Federation since 2010, argued that athletes could return on merit rather than through direct talks with the FIS. The remark drew wide attention in the Russian sports press, with VseProSport noting the provocative tone of the statement and inviting readers to consider its implications for athletes and coaches.
Guberniev questioned the premise, suggesting that Vyalbe’s position reflects a public debate rather than a practical policy. He noted that Vyalbe is not a regular interlocutor with international officials anymore and described the stance as a provocative move rather than a concrete plan. In light of past actions, his assessment is that the federation faces limited negotiating room, turning public commentary into a trigger for discussion rather than a clear roadmap for athletes.
Elena Vyalbe has headed FLGR since 2010, directing Russian ski racing through periods of growth and controversy. Under her leadership the federation produced top performances on the world stage while navigating sanctions and intense scrutiny from international sport authorities. Her approach has been viewed as bold and uncompromising, with a strong emphasis on national pride and the strategic development of winter sports across Russia.
On September 27, the International Ski Federation extended the suspension of Russian athletes from 2022, keeping them off the international circuit for that season and preventing participation in key events. The extension disrupted the 2021/22 season, limiting opportunities for racing, results, and exposure in world cups and championships for many Russian skiers.
Earlier in February 2022, the International Olympic Committee urged international federations to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes from competition. Later, in late 2023, the IOC decided to allow Russians and Belarusians to participate as neutral athletes at the 2024 Paris Games, with a total of 15 Russians traveling to Paris under neutral status. This shift alongside the Russian Ski Racing Federation stance illustrates how policy and geopolitics have reshaped Olympic participation, while the federation had previously set a requirement for skiers to pursue Olympic involvement.