MOSCOW, April 5, by Sergey Fuks. Sanctions against Russian skiers are real order, said the head coach of the Russian ski team Yuri Borodavko. Against the backdrop of the situation in Ukraine, the International Ski Federation (FIS) first deprived Russia of the right to host the World Cup Final in Tyumen, and then decided not to allow participation in competitions under the auspices of the organization of athletes from Russia and Belarus until the end of the 2021/22 season. This decision was made in accordance with the recommendation of the Executive Committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
"It was, of course, a deep disappointment, because here, as they say, it was read between the lines that this was a contract, which the IOC strongly recommends to everyone federations the same thing,” Borodavko said. – What we experienced at the World Cup stages, – is, of course, very, very unpleasant. There was such a tense situation".
The coach added that he hopes for the participation of Russian skiers in the next international season.
"Of course, there is (such a hope). Because many people are well aware that in cross-country skiing, as in any sport, fans come to watch the stars. For example, now in football people go to (Lionel) Messi, but here we used to go to look at Fedor Cherenkov, Eduard Streltsov. And this confrontation of the same Alexander Bolshunov with Johannes (Klebo), other athletes, as the same (Natalya) Nepryaeva, who fights with the Swedes, performs, this is really a bewitching sight. Many people watch TV, and even very old people, grandparents, stand near the TV and try to help athletes. I think the same is happening abroad, many people are patriots of their countries", – said Borodavko.
Read the full interview with Yuri Borodavko on Wednesday at rsport.ria.ru.