Russian and Belarusian skiers barred from Winter Olympics: “My country is always right”
Originally published in Sveriges Radio - Radiosporten on October 21, 2025
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) announced on Tuesday evening that Russian and Belarusian cross-country skiers will not be permitted to qualify for the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The ruling prompted a furious reaction from Russian skier Veronika Stepanova, who told Swedish broadcaster SVT: “Vladimir Putin is my president, and my country is always right.”
Athletes from Russia and Belarus have been barred from competing internationally under their national flags since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This latest decision specifies that they will not be able to enter the Olympic qualification pathway for 2026 in cross-country skiing.
Related coverage in Sweden notes that Russian officials have accused a “Scandinavian lobby” of influencing the outcome and that Russia intends to appeal the decision.
See Also
Russian star Veronika Stepanova: “Vladimir Putin is my president and my country is always right”
October 21, 2025 / SVT Sport
No Russian skiers at the 2026 Olympics – stars react: “The right decision”
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After the decision: Russia blames a “Scandinavian lobby” for Olympic exclusion
October 22, 2025 / Sveriges Radio – Radiosporten
Anders Blomquist on FIS barring Russians from the 2026 Olympics: “The only ethically defensible choice”
October 21, 2025 / SVT Sport
Winter sports: The letter that could decide if Russian athletes may compete again
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Cross-country: Mika Vermeulen on meeting Russian skiers in Austria: “Fuck off”
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