Norway ski body says Russians not welcome to compete there
GENEVA (AP) — Russian skiers are not welcome to compete in Norway because of “violations of international law and attacks on the Ukrainian people,” the Nordic country’s ski federation said Saturday.
Norway’s call directly contradicts International Ski Federation (FIS) policy announced late Friday and comes days after the winter sport power topped the Beijing Olympics medal table with a record 16 golds. The final men’s medal awarded in Beijing saw Russian and Norwegian cross-country skiers share the podium in the Bird’s Nest stadium.
The Norwegian plea was also made days before Kvitfjell and Oslo host World Cup races in Alpine and cross-country skiing next weekend and while the country co-hosts the junior world championships in Nordic ski disciplines.
“The Norwegian Ski Federation’s message to Russia and Russian athletes is crystal clear; We do not want your participation!” it said in a statement.
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-winter-olympics-sports-beijing-norway-bd60887195bc2ed8d1aac07d2dff0193