Footage captured the mass tumble of skiers during the Spartakiad, later published on the competition’s Telegram channel under the name “Radio skis.” The images reveal that the incident happened as participants were landing, with dense fog obscuring the highway in the vicinity. The event took place in the village of Estosadok, located in the Krasnodar region, and the scene prompted discussions about safety protocols and on-site conditions.
Russian sports commentator Dmitry Guberniev pointed to Elena Vyalbe, the president of the Russian Ski Racing Federation (FLGR), as a potential factor contributing to the injuries sustained by several skiers at the Student Spartakiad, a claim that sparked debate among officials and fans alike. Attribution: Radio skis Telegram channel.
In late February 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) advised international sports federations to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in competitions. As a consequence, the spring 2022 season saw the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) suspend Russian and Belarusian athletes from international events, with the suspension later extended. For the time being, Russian athletes competed only in domestic or local tournaments.
A former skier who attended the Spartakiad was shown with a bandaged head and facial bruising following the collapse, underscoring the physical toll of the incident and the ongoing discussions about risk management and event safety. Attribution: Radio skis Telegram channel.