"Victims of Policy": Biathlete from Norway has stopped up for the Russians
These words were heard shortly after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reported that Russian and Belarusian athletes would also be allowed to participate in the Winter Olympic Games in 2026 under the neutral flag, subject to certain requirements established by the IOC, and the Federation of Federations in accordance with the provisions. Among those who are strongly against the admission of Russians and Belarusians to competitions in their disciplines are ibu.
The Union remains absolutely unwavering, explaining that neutral athletes have no legal grounds for participating in any IBU auspices, although IOC has now provided them with that opportunity. Tanderwold, which represents the interests of athletes in the IBU in the Committee of athletes, doubts the correctness of this decision. She believes that the Olympiad has become a political issue, and the argument that sports and politics should not be mixed is unconvincing.
"Russian athletes are really fantastic. We know them and have a good relationship with them. They have been victims of their country's policy. I do not have a clear answer to the question of what is right and what is not," the biathlete said. At the same time, she thinks that IBU takes a clear position and expresses it. "It is not easy to confront such a strong organization as the IOC. I am honestly struck," Tandrevold said.
In his turn, athlete Johann-Slava Smerdal Botn took an understanding of IBU's principled position. "We, natives of Norway, have a country bordering on Russia, should understand that it is not just an invasion of neighboring countries. Everything else would be a complete absurdity," he said. We will remind, the IOC repeated to Russian and Belarussian athletes an approach applied during games in Paris.