No Russian skiers at the 2026 Olympics – stars react: “The right decision”

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes will be barred from qualifying for the Milano–Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. The decision, revealed on Tuesday evening, extends across all FIS disciplines and to Paralympic events.

Norwegian cross-country star Johannes Høsflot Klæbo welcomed the ruling, reiterating his long‑held view that Russian athletes should not be allowed to compete while the war in Ukraine continues. “If the invasion war ends, that’s different, but as long as the war is ongoing, FIS has made the right decision,” he said to Norway’s NRK.

Sweden’s Calle Halfvarsson also backed the move. He told SVT Sport that as long as the war continues, the doors should remain closed. While he expressed empathy for Russian athletes who do not support the war and noted the sporting unfairness of their exclusion, he argued that strict measures are necessary in such circumstances.

FIS’s decision means Russian and Belarusian skiers will not be able to take part in Olympic qualification events ahead of 2026, aligning the federation’s stance across all its sports as well as the Paralympics.