Linn Svahn relieved she won’t face Olympic boycott decision after FIS vote on Russia/Belarus

Swedish cross-country skier Linn Svahn says she had considered boycotting the Olympics if Russian athletes were allowed to compete in Milan–Cortina 2026. After last week’s vote by FIS members rejecting a proposal to admit Russian and Belarusian athletes, she says she is relieved not to face that choice.

Russians and Belarusians have been barred by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) since shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. According to SVT, FIS president Johan Eliasch, a Swedish‑British national, sought to allow them to participate in the 2026 Games with IOC support, but was outvoted by the member nations.

“I think it was a sensible decision to take, since nothing has changed in the war situation and the sanctions imposed after the invasion should remain,” Svahn said at a press conference.

Russia’s federation has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and a majority of FIS member countries had been in favor of letting Russian and Belarusian athletes return. “It’s nice that the decision is made, and as it looks now you don’t expect to see any Russians on the start line, and one hopes it stays that way,” Svahn added. Fellow Swedish national-team skier William Poromaa agreed: “It was a bit expected and I think it was good. I’ve had the same view since the war began.”