Borodavko on returning to international competitions: “I don’t have any special illusions”

Yury Borodavko, head coach of the Russian cross-country skiing team, does not believe that the national team will return to international competitions in the near future.

On Thursday, VG published a statement by FIS Secretary General Michel Vion that the return of Russian and Belarusian skiers to the World Cup could happen in December. This decision can be made after the appropriate recommendation of the IOC. Vion also noted that if allowed, Russian and Belarusian athletes would probably go to the start in a neutral status.

– The fact that they are discussing this issue is already good. I cannot say that our chances of this discussion are sharply increasing; there is no positive mood after this. After all, FIS is a public organization, and all issues are decided by voting. Knowing the political situation in the world, the attitude of various federations towards our country and athletes, I have no particular illusions. If a positive decision is made, I will be glad. I have a principle – it’s better to be surprised than disappointed, – Borodavko told the “Championship”.

At the end of February, the IOC executive committee recommended that the federations ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in competitions due to the situation in Ukraine. Many federations followed these recommendations.