After the decision: Russia blames a “Scandinavian lobby” for Olympic exclusion

Russia has reacted strongly to the decision to exclude its athletes from the 2026 Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics. According to Norwegian newspaper VG, the Russian national team has directed its anger at Norway, accusing it of leading efforts to keep Russians out.

Yuri Borodavko, Russia’s head coach for cross-country skiing, told the paper that a “Scandinavian lobby” took a hard line and even went so far as to threaten a boycott if Russian athletes were allowed to compete. The comments underline the escalating political tensions around Nordic sports in the wake of the Olympic decision.

The reaction comes a day after the announcement that Russian and Belarusian athletes will be barred from the Winter Games, a ruling Russia says it will appeal. The dispute highlights deep divisions in international sport ahead of Milan/Cortina 2026 and the wider Nordic skiing community’s stance on participation by Russian competitors.