The Russian decisions affecting the Skiing World Cup: "Gone height"

Already last season, Russian winter athletes began to be allowed back into the heat, after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) eased its restrictions.

Ahead of this season, the International Skiing and Snowboarding Federation (FIS) has further relaxed the requirements and Russians are welcomed on a broad front, as long as the skiers show a neutral status and have not taken a political stand.

This means that Russian skiers can come to Falun when the WC is decided in February next year. Something that puts the safety of the championship in focus.

- The fact that Russian riders come here obviously affects our work with security. That issue is high on the agenda and we feel secure with the planning and the cooperation with the various actors, says Kajsa Sjösvärd, CEO of the ski WC.

- But I would also say that the uncertain global situation also affects how we work. We have risen to it, even if it has meant higher costs for us.

A total of 94 Russian athletes have now received the go-ahead to compete in the World Cup in one of Fi's disciplines. In addition to 94 athletes, 56 coaches or other support staff have also been given the green light. A total of 13 cross-country skiers are on the list.

But the biggest names have still not received the go-ahead. Olympic gold medalists Aleksandr Bolshunov and Veronica Stepanova are still missing. Both have participated in propaganda for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kajsa Sjösvärd is used to working with security issues. She worked with the nuclear accident in Japan's Fukushima in 2011 and was responsible for the EU coordination team in Poland when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. In addition, she was there when Falun organized the last time, in 2015.

- There are an awful lot of people involved now, this is much bigger than in 2015, says Sjösvärd.

For national team skier William Poromaa, it is important to highlight the link between the Russian skiers and Putin.

- That is what you were afraid of at the beginning, that they (Fis) will change their minds. The longer the war goes on, the more problematic it becomes. The fact that they are allowed in sends signals about normalization, you are out on damn slippery ice. It is worrying, he says.