Russian three-time Olympic champion banned from tournament in Italy

Three-time Olympic champion Alexander Bolshunov was not allowed to participate in the Gsieser-Tal-Lauf race in Italy due to the International Ski Federation's (FIS) ban on Russian athletes. The organizers confirmed that they were forced to refuse the athlete despite the desire to see him among the participants.

"The rules are such that, unfortunately, Russians are not allowed to participate in FIS races. We are very sorry that he will not be able to participate. It would have been an honor for us! We hope that the conditions will change soon," RIA Novosti quote the Federation.

Gsieser-Tal-Lauf is one of the largest and most famous ski marathons in South Tyrol (Italy). The race is held in the Val di Casies valley valley (Gsieser-Tal) annually and attracts both professional skiers and amateurs.

Earlier, Bolshunov managed to win 30 km men race Moonlight Classic Seiser Alm, after which his participation in the Italian races raised questions from Norwegian journalists. When asked how he managed to get to the competition, the skier jokingly replied that US President Donald Trump himself helped him.

"There was a conversation, it is real. No jokes (smiles). Trump is on all social media, anyone can write to him. I was lucky, as he wrote back," Bolshunov said.

He also added that he tries to avoid talking to foreign journalists because they can "embellish" his words.

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