Decision on Russia’s Olympic status could affect Linn Svahn’s participation

The International Ski Federation (FIS) is expected to decide today whether athletes from Russia and Belarus will be permitted to participate in Olympic skiing under a neutral flag.

Swedish sprint star Linn Svahn has stated that the Olympics should be boycotted if Russian and Belarusian skiers are allowed to compete, even under neutral status. The debate divides the sports world, with some arguing for athlete inclusion under neutrality and others insisting the ban remain in place due to Russia’s ongoing aggression and integrity concerns.

Karin Mattsson, former chair of the Swedish Ski Association, and leaders within the Norwegian national team publicly support continuing the prohibition on Russian and Belarusian participation at the Olympics. They contend that keeping the ban protects fair play and aligns with broader international sports sanctions.

The FIS decision could shape the composition of the Olympic cross‑country skiing fields and influence whether Svahn herself chooses to start at the Games.