The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) is waiting for “an unequivocal order from its owner” to admit Russian athletes to international competitions, the Olympic silver medalist told . Alexander Panzhinsky .
On Wednesday, FIS Council member Erik Röste said the decision to suspend the Russians and Belarusians following a FIS Council meeting had been extended for the upcoming season.
“It is sad that the FIS takes a passive position, does not make any independent decisions and waits for a clear order from the owner to admit Russians – from the IOC, politicians or sponsors. The FIS must show independence and determination, even if it is condemned by someone. In the current situation, you cannot please everyone. The absence of Russians is definitely a disadvantage for cross-country skiing. The popularity of cross-country skiing in Europe, especially among men, is therefore in decline. I am no longer interested in watching them, even if I am a big fan of skiing. Only the Norwegians win competitions, now there is no big confrontation other than the we follow like a TV series. Klebo also loses motivation and is already looking for external stimuli.
As a big ski fan, I can’t help but worry. It’s a shame for our guys, especially for the young guys who haven’t yet realized their potential. They are eager to enter the world stage, they are ready to fight for high places. Korostelev, for example, Stepanova, in general we have a lot of talented young people. We should not forget about Nepryaeva and Bolshunov, who were imprisoned in their prime. They have not yet shown everything they are capable of, even though they are already titled athletes.
I would like to believe that two seasons of isolation will be enough, and in the third we will be back on the international stage, or we will find another way out,” Panjinski told .
Source : MatchTV
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