Russian Cross-Country Ski Team: 'We are preparing for the Olympics'

Updated April 14, 2025

The Russian cross-country skiing team remains excluded from international competitions as a result of ongoing geopolitical tensions. However, Elena Välbe, the chairperson of the Russian Ski Federation, believes that conditions may change soon. "We are preparing for the Olympics," she stated.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, Russian athletes have faced bans from several prominent winter sports federations, including the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

Recently, SVT Sport revealed that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is urging various sports federations to admit Russian athletes so they can qualify for next year’s Olympics.

Elena Välbe emphasized that Russian athletes are focused on their training in light of these developments, stating, "We hope for the best and we are preparing for the Olympics."

While there is a meeting scheduled for FIS officials on April 16, where the question of including Russian athletes may be discussed, Swedish board member Karin Mattsson denies that this issue will be on the agenda. "The question is not on the agenda," she wrote in a message to SVT Sport.