‘With Trump’s Permission’ – See How Aleksandr Bolšunov Spoke About His Comeback Abroad

Russian cross-country skier Aleksandr Bolšunov returned to international competition for the first time in almost three years by winning the 30 km race at the Sudtirol Moonlight Classic in Italy. This event, which was not under the auspices of the International Ski Federation (FIS), marked a significant moment for Bolšunov following his successful performance at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, where he became a three-time Olympic champion.

Following the Beijing games, Russian athletes were barred from competing in FIS events due to the war in Ukraine. Bolšunov’s recent outing abroad comes at a time when many of his fellow competitors have been participating in the World Cup circuit in other countries. After his race, he commented on the challenges of maintaining motivation and fitness under the current conditions, adding a humorous note that he had received "permission from Trump" to compete.

The article also details the heated reactions within the skiing community. Swedish national team star Maja Dahlqvist described the decision as a slight shock, while Norwegian skier Erik Valnes argued that Russian athletes should not be allowed to participate until the situation changes. Even Norway’s leading cross-country skier Johannes Hösflot Kläbo shared that the issues remain as difficult as they were three years ago. However, Bolšunov noted that the younger Norwegian skiers he met were friendly and welcoming.

Additionally, the event organizers explained that Bolšunov’s participation was a decision made without extensive political debate, emphasizing that the focus was on sports. The Russian flag was initially displayed next to his name on the start list, but it was later replaced with a neutral flag. With the upcoming Olympic season in Milan-Cortina and preparations for the World Championships, the future participation of Russian athletes remains uncertain, pending further decisions by the FIS.

Overall, the article captures both Bolšunov’s personal comeback and the broader controversy that continues to affect international cross-country skiing in the wake of recent geopolitical events.