The Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) has ruled that Russian and Belarusian ski and snowboard athletes can compete as neutrals in the February Olympics. However, the door remains closed for biathlon, a decision welcomed by Swedish figures. The ruling has sparked criticism in the sports world.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) has ruled that Russian and Belarusian ski and snowboard athletes can appeal and win the right to participate in the February Olympics as neutral competitors. This opens the ski tracks for them, but the situation differs in biathlon. The door remains closed, according to reports from Östersund.
Swedish Ski Federation's general secretary Pernilla Bonde expresses disappointment: "For us, this is not a good decision." She points to the ongoing conflicts surrounding Russia's involvement in Ukraine. Similarly, Swedish biathlete Anna Magnusson welcomes the closure for biathlon: "It is extremely important. I hope they can stick to it."
DN's sports columnist Johan Esk harshly criticizes the development in a column. He questions whether the war in Ukraine is over and calls the sports world crazy for allowing Russian participants. "Have I missed something? Has Russia stopped the war in Ukraine? No, it's just the sports world becoming more and more insane. Now the ski tracks are also opening for Russian athletes," he writes.
The Cas decision stems from appeals by the affected athletes and applies to ski sports outside biathlon. It highlights tensions in international sports, where neutral status does not resolve all sanctions related to geopolitical conflicts.
