MOSCOW, August 15 Swedish World Championship medalist Kalle Halvarsson said that world skiing needs Russian athletes.
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has suspended Russians and Belarusians from competitions under the auspices of the organization at the beginning of 2022 due to the situation in Ukraine. Russian skiers competed in the national cup stages over the past two seasons.
«We've almost gotten used to the fact that they (the Russians) aren't participating. It's terrible what's happening, but at the same time, skiing is a small sport, so ultimately I think we need the Russians. Despite the controversy, Russia is still a great skiing country. We'll need them,» VG quotes Halvarsson as saying, citing the TT agency.
Olympic champion Jonna Sundling said she misses the Russians.
«I think it's better if we compete with everyone. I actually miss them a little bit. It's a very difficult situation, and I can't say what's right and what's wrong,» Sundling said.