The positive news about the admission of two Russian skiers raised questions about how our guys would be received at international competitions. Over the course of several years, a number of foreign athletes, coaches and experts have expressed open dissatisfaction with the potential return of the Russians, and some have even threatened a boycott.

In fact, the harsh statements remained on the Internet, and in real life, Savely Korostelev, who had already arrived at the World Cup tracks, talked about friendly greetings, including from the five-time Olympic champion Johannes Klebo.

Amazingly warm atmosphere!

Boycotts turned out to be nothing

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has currently approved only two applications for Russians to participate in neutral tournaments. At the same time, the organization promises to expand the list in the coming days or weeks. However, so far only Saveliy Korostelev and Daria Nepryaeva have received a chance, who will perform at the World Cup in Davos and try to qualify for the Olympics in Milan there.

In addition to the obvious positive emotions, the long-awaited event also caused some concern. Everyone remembers very well how the West actively opposed any participation of Russians in international cross-country skiing competitions. The Norwegians were especially zealous, for whom the arrival of the Russians would mean the end of free races in medals and in the top 10.

It is quite obvious that with the presence of the strongest athletes from Russia, Norway’s dominance would cease to be so total. Hence the angry words in the press, and even threats to boycott the competition. In reality, so far this is all turning out to be complete nonsense. Korostelev’s arrival, for example, evoked an absolutely adequate and in many ways even warm reaction from foreigners, including the main World Cup star Johannes Klebo.

— During training, an American and an Italian skated with me. I shouted: “Officially!” They congratulated me and we went on our ride. I have already seen Klebo. “I greeted him, and he greeted me,” Korostelev said in an interview with Match TV.

Johannes Klebo / Photo: © Federico Modica/NordicFocus / Contributor / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

Will there be any provocations on the track?

As it turned out, skiers from other countries were quite happy to see the Russian athlete. There is no doubt that Daria Nepryaeva, who is supposed to be on the track in Davos today, will see a similar attitude towards herself. So the Norwegian journalist Jan Petter Saltvedt assured that the arrival of the Russians will be received exclusively with respect.

— Korostelev and Nepryaeva will be met with respect and dignity. From a purely sporting point of view, everyone is interested to see what shape Russian skiers will be in after returning to the international stage. We expect that in the near future other Russian skiers, in addition to these two, will compete for the podium,” Sport24 quotes the Norwegian.

“I have always said that foreigners will greet us absolutely normally.” They could say something behind their backs, but now they will tell how they loved Korostelev all their lives and waited for him with great impatience. Behind our backs they threatened with boycotts and something else, but in reality everything was fine. Someone might blurt out something, but again behind the scenes. “I’m not surprised at all that Korostelev was warmly greeted,” said Match TV commentator Dmitry Guberniev in an interview with VseProSport.

All that remains is to make sure that everything will be peaceful and professional at the competition itself. Russian skiers will return to the world’s slopes this weekend – for the first time in almost four years. So the interest in this event will be simply colossal throughout the world of winter sports. There is very little time left to wait.