Norwegian ski body says Russians not welcome to compete there – The Journal
Russian skiers not welcome to compete in Norway
GENEVA (AP) — Russian skiers are not welcome to compete in Norway due to “violations of international law and attacks on the Ukrainian people,” the Nordic country’s ski federation said on Saturday.
Norway’s appeal directly contradicts International Ski Federation (FIS) policy announced on Friday night and comes days after the winter sports powerhouse topped the Beijing Olympics medal table with a record 16 gold medals. The latest men’s medal in Beijing saw cross-country skiers from Russia and Norway share the podium at Bird’s Nest Stadium.
The Norwegian appeal also came days before Kvitfjell and Oslo host the Alpine and Cross-Country Skiing World Cup races next weekend and as the country co-hosts the Junior World Championships in Nordic skiing disciplines.
“The Norwegian Ski Federation’s message to Russia and Russian athletes is clear; We don’t want your participation! he said in a statement.
Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine since Thursday requires “international condemnation and sanctions”, the Norwegian federation said.
“The sport is not detached from this and cannot remain passive in the face of what is happening now,” the statement read, promising to put pressure on the sport’s world governing body.
On Friday, the FIS withdrew its final World Cup events this season from Russia, but then allowed the Russians to continue competing.
“Athletes will continue to compete under their name and the country of Russia, although the FIS flag and anthem will be used at all official functions, including ceremonies,” the Russia-based ski body said. Swiss.
A ban on the use of the Russian flag and anthem was called for Friday by the International Olympic Committee, which also asked sports bodies to move or cancel events scheduled in Russia.
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Gold medalist for the shortened time trial 50km mass start free cross-country skiing competition, Alexander Bolshunov, center, of the Russian Olympic Committee stands with his compatriot and silver medalist, Ivan Yakimushkin, left, and the medalist bronze Simen Hegstad Krueger, right, of Norway on the podium during the closing ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Oslo City Hall was lit up in the colors of the Ukrainian flag, in Oslo, Norway, Thursday evening Feb. 24, 2022. The celebration is intended as a symbolic act of solidarity with Ukraine. (Javad Parsa/NTB via AP)