The President of the Russian Cross-Country Skiing Federation, Yelena Välbe, has categorically forbidden her athletes to agree to the conditions of admission to international competitions. The three-time Olympic champion accused Western countries and organisations of trying to get rid of Russia.

Välbe said this in an interview with the propaganda TV channel Match TV. She also said that during the doping scandal, some athletes allegedly asked her to ban them from participating in tournaments under the terms of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and that the decision to withdraw from tournaments would be supported by fans.

"The guys told me: "Yelena Valeriivna, forbid us to go". And I told them: "Absolutely not. You have to go and prove that we are clean, perform with honour and dignity." And we came back from there with a great result. But now the situation is completely different. The world is trying to destroy our flag and anthem, they don't want the country of Russia. In this situation, I will not only not recommend it to any of my athletes, I will specifically say that I forbid it. I think most of our people will respect us more for this. I think this is much cooler than any titles and regalia," said Välbe.

Recall that the IOC has recommended that international federations suspend Russian athletes who are affiliated with the Russian army and security forces, as well as team sports. They should also not support the war in Ukraine.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, Olympic champion Irina Rodnina called the IOC's requirements for the admission of athletes from Russia Russophobia and humiliation of Russia. And two-time world curling champion Anastasia Bryzgalova called the IOC's demand that Russian athletes condemn the war in Ukraine nonsense.

Only verified information is available in our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!