Swedish biathlete Sebastian Samuelsson has strongly reacted to the decision allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral flag in ski sports. He calls it "very strange" since biathlon remains the only individual winter Olympic sport with a complete ban on Russia. Samuelsson emphasizes sports' responsibility in society.
Earlier this week, the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) ruled that Russian and Belarusian athletes can participate in FIS competitions under a neutral flag, provided they meet specific requirements. This follows a joint appeal from the countries. The decision applies to ski sports in general, but biathlon stands out as an exception, where the International Biathlon Union (IBU) maintains its ban on Russian and Belarusian involvement.
Prominent Swedish biathlete Sebastian Samuelsson expresses surprise and criticism. "For me, it's very strange. It's like sports lives under a rock where it doesn't have to take responsibility," he tells SVT Sport. He points to broader societal actions against Russia, such as economic sanctions and efforts to end the war. "We don't trade with Russia, and in many ways, society is trying to stop the war, and for sports to somehow stand above it feels very strange to me."
Samuelsson highlights sports' role in society and why it should take a stand. "Sports is such a big part of society. It's only natural that we take our part in it." He questions the possibility of neutrality in biathlon, where many athletes are employed by the military. "So there's no neutrality there. Many of them support the war, so I stand behind the IBU's position."
Despite the decision, Samuelsson believes biathlon will not be significantly affected.