Pernilla Wiberg on Russian Athletes in the 2026 Olympics: "Be Consistent"

In February, SVT Sport revealed that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) encouraged federations to allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes to qualify for the Olympics. Pernilla Wiberg, a skiing expert for SVT, supports this move, stating that one must be consistent in such matters. She pointed out, "There are regulations that the IOC must adhere to. One cannot judge someone for their political views or the nation they come from — that is discrimination, which is stated on the first page of the Olympic regulations."

However, Björn Ferry, SVT’s biathlon expert, raised concerns regarding the reliability of anti-doping efforts in Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He suggested that athletes who have openly supported the invasion should not be permitted to compete, labeling it provocative. Yet, he acknowledged the dilemma for athletes uninvolved in the conflict, stating, "It feels strange that their careers could be derailed for something beyond their control."

Wiberg also argues for Russian athletes to compete under a neutral flag in the Olympics, noting:

"They should still be tested, even during this ongoing conflict. But who would conduct these tests? There’s little trust in that process as there are no independent agencies available to perform the necessary checks, as Ferry noted."

The broader discussion touches upon the delicate balance between sport and politics in the context of global conflicts and the integrity of competitive fairness in sports.