Olympic champion in the marathon (2014) Aleksandr Legkov stated that the head of the Russian Ski Racing Federation, Elena Vyalbe, has done everything possible to allow Russian skiers to compete in the 2026 Olympic Games.

Previously, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) made a decision to bar Russian athletes from participating in international competitions, even with a neutral status.

“It’s pointless to expect anything, as there are many sports, and some athletes are allowed while others are not. However, I believe that Elena Valeryevna has done her utmost to ensure that our athletes can take part. But not everything is within her control, and not all decisions lie with the FIS.

Certain countries dominate this sport, and I understand that their political stance is currently like this. However, later, when we are allowed to participate, they will conveniently forget as if nothing happened. Our athletes are competing in Italy, where Klæbo and others also participate. We should ask them, ‘Do you have any issues?’ I believe they would say they don’t have any problems. But on a governmental level, there are indeed issues,” Legkov’s words were reported by RIA Novosti Sport.