Norwegian Ski Federation Bans Russian Athletes From Competing in Upcoming Events

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Marit Bjoergen (3) of Norway leads the pack, including Jessie Diggins (4), during the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships mass start 30K on Saturday March 4, in Lahti, Finland. (Getty Images/Agence Zoom-Giovanni Auletta)
Credit: Getty Images/Agence Zoom-Giovanni Auletta

Norwayโ€™s ski federation said Saturday that Russian skiers are not welcome to compete in their country due to โ€œviolations of international law and attacks on the Ukrainian people.โ€ย The decision directly contradicts International Ski Federation (FIS) policy announced late Friday.

On Friday, the FIS removed the remaining World Cup events this season from Russia but allowed Russians to carry on competing.ย The FIS also asked other worldwide sporting bodies to move or cancel any events scheduled in Russia.

The decision was made days before Kvitfjell and Oslo host World Cup races in Alpine and cross-country skiing next weekend.ย Norway is also set to co-host the junior world championships in Nordic ski disciplines.

โ€œThe Norwegian Ski Federationโ€™s message to Russia and Russian athletes is crystal clear; We do not want your participation!โ€

– Official statement

The Norwegian federation added that Russiaโ€™s invasion of Ukraine requires โ€œinternational condemnation and sanctions.โ€

Norway topped the medal table in the recently finished Beijing Olympics with 16 gold medals.





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One thought on “Norwegian Ski Federation Bans Russian Athletes From Competing in Upcoming Events

  1. This is great. Kinda like when American athletes were banned because of the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. Oh wait.

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