I read in the Norwegian and Swedish press an endless stream of reactions from local skiers and biathletes to our imminent and inevitable return.
They are well aware that it is not up to them to decide, but the local media encourage them to speak out actively. I will also speak – in the Swedes and Norwegians I see the main rivals in the near future.
I have long understood that the discussion of any issue is very Scandinavian. Until everyone speaks, no one will do anything. Although the boss decides everything at the end, everyone will feel that he or she influenced the process in some way. In this case, the “bosses” are beyond oceans and mountains. Even Norwegian journalists themselves admit that it is the “big guys” who decide, so be it. There’s no conspiracy here: the “big guys” are corporations that sponsor the sport, and they’re either American or Chinese. Sometimes European. I’m talking about the IOC, about those sports where you really make money, and not about our modest ski races.
As the IOC ultimately decides, “taking into account all factors” – such conditions will be communicated to us. No one will be interested in the opinion of the Norwegian Ski Association.
In the meantime, you can chat — especially since last week’s requests for comment have been coming in multiple times a day. Here is what I replied to the Norwegian and Swedish journalists from Dagbladet, Nettavisen, Aftonbladet, VG and… sorry, I can’t remember who else participated in the discussion on their proposal.
Wasn’t there enough time for your “discussions”? I think eleven months is long enough to reach some sort of agreement on this issue, but obviously you have your own pace of decision-making. My position has not changed: it was and remains illegal and simply stupid to exclude us Russian athletes from international competitions. Sport should be neutral, and I personally don’t care about the political values, preferences, and opinions of Astrid Jacobsen, Lynn Swan, or anyone else, as long as they don’t break the law. I will compete with anyone without preconditions or prejudices, even tomorrow.
If you want to discuss another year – I can’t influence it. But I want to remind you that last March the Norwegian sports bosses practically kicked us out of the competition at Holmenkollen, when we were already preparing for it. No debate or discussion. That’s not the way to treat guests, I’m sure. Especially when, a few days before, the same people shook my hand and congratulated me on the podium of the World Junior Championship.
Not only do I communicate with the Scandinavian press, but I also read myself. All with the words langrenn and längdskidåkning, web search. If you read regularly, you will have the impression that all the athletes present are divided between those who want to “continue the debate”, and those who are categorically against our participation on principle.
In fact, it is far from the case, to put it mildly. I would even be upset if I didn’t get so many personal messages in the spirit of “it’s a shame you’re not in Toblach now” or “whistler misses you at U23”. No fans – known skiers. The time will come – you will see everything yourself, in TV shows. Who shakes hands with whom, who kisses whom at the finish line.
And here I honestly admit: the idea of competing with people who are actively against us, talking about some kind of boycott (there will be no boycott – you’ll see) “lights up” well more than racing against friends.
I have a specific idea, a proposal. Well, I don’t like Lynn Swan. Should I? Yes, vice versa! More likely you’ll be watching when we finally meet in the skate sprint. And yes, at 1200 meters I will probably lose against her. Until I lose! But at 1600 we will already see who wins.
Consider it a challenge, Lynn!
Only it would be nice if the competitions were not in Swedish Falun or Norwegian Lillehammer, but somewhere where there are fewer outright Russophobes – a psychopath along the track is enough to disrupt everything. China would be ideal – I think a lot of people remember how Klebo, Pellegrino, Shanava and other strong runners raced there. Ski Dubai is also suitable, where the same Klebo took part in demonstration shows. Yes, even in Antarctica – the main thing is that the TV is comfortable.
will broadcast the heights of the All-Russian Championship (from February 23 to March 5) and the Russian Ski Championship (from March 18 to 26). Watch live broadcasts of ski competitions on the federal channel and thematic channels of the holding, as well as on the sites matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru.
Source : MatchTV
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
