On Wednesday, the IOC issued a statement in which it claimed that “a large majority” of athlete representatives wanted athletes from Russia and Belarus to be allowed back into international competition, despite the war of aggression against Ukraine.

NRK claims several sources confirm this that the head of the Norwegian athletes’ committee, Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen, must have recognized the challenge of the brutality of war, but also stated that athletes should not be exempted based on the type of passport they hold.

In its statement, the IOC said it was working to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete again. If so, it will take place under a neutral flag.

Jacobsen has not yet responded to NRK’s ​​questions.

Representative of Sweden: – Nobody spoke clearly

Swedish biathlete Sebastian Samuelsson confirmed that the Norwegian athletes’ committee was among the majority in favor of the return of Russian and Belarusian athletes.

– Nobody said clearly. We did it, Samuelsson told NRK. He represented the International Biathlon Union during meetings with the IOC.

– We stated that we don’t think they should be readmitted. We are talking about the Olympic peace which has been violated three times, always by Russia. Only Russia has cracked it. If so, there must be consequences. They broke it in 2008, 2014 and now in 2022, he explained.

Swedish ski star threatens boycott

Linn Svahn, 23, said she was ready to get out of the toilet in Planica if the IOC’s new stance allowed Russia to return to cross-country skiing.

– If it turns out that we are fighting in the WC and the doors are open, then I am ready to boycott, sprint star Svahn told Aftonbladet.

The statement came after that Express got a response from the FIS that might give hope to Russian runners for a quick comeback. They have been excluded since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last winter.

“FIS has taken note of the messages and recommendations from the IOC, and these will be taken into account when the topic is discussed again at the FIS board,” said the email from the association.

Erik Røste sits on the board as a member of Norway, and he thinks it’s not yet time to change the collective ban decision.

– In my opinion, there is no reason for the Russians to come back. I have said that, and I will repeat it. Only when the war is over can we talk about wanting Russian and Belarusian athletes back in my view, Røste told NRK.

Trettebergstuen and Kjøll: Unacceptable

On Thursday, Culture Minister Anette Trettebergstuen and Norwegian Sports President Berit Kjøll told NTB that Norway’s position had not changed, even though the IOC was now moving away from a collective ban.

– In the current situation, it is unacceptable to open up Russian and Belarusian sports participation internationally, said Kjøll

– Russia continues the war of aggression in Ukraine. Therefore, there are no circumstances indicating that the IOC or specific sports should be more open to participation now, Trettebergstuen said in comments to NTB.