'Russians are not welcome at World Championship' - Norway's ski mecca Mayor
Russia will not be invited to 2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships (Photo: (Getty Images)
The mayor of the Norwegian city of Trondheim, Kent Ranum, has expressed opposition to the participation of Russian athletes in the 2025 World Ski Championships, according to VG.
The head of the third most populous city in Norway will not welcome the arrival of Russian skiers. He believes that, during an aggressive war against Ukraine, they should stay at home.
"We do not welcome Russia's participation in the World Championships. It is wrong when athletes from one country are in a war zone, and others are in Granåsen. Therefore, my message to Russian athletes is: you are not welcome in Trondheim at the World Championships," said Ranum.
Russian skiers have been in international isolation for two seasons due to Russia's war against Ukraine. Since the International Olympic Committee allowed Russians to participate in the 2024 Summer Olympics in a neutral status, a similar decision may be made for the 2026 Winter Games.
What is known about the Granåsen ski center
The winter sports center in Trondheim was built in 1938-1940 and has undergone several reconstructions (1952, 1960, 1990, 2008).
The complex regularly hosts competitions under the auspices of the International Ski Federation and Snowboard Federation. The most popular tournaments include the World Championships in ski jumping from the trampoline, stages of the World Cup in skiing and biathlon, and other competitions. In 1997, Granosen hosted the World Ski Championships.
Open-air concerts are held in the summer at the cross-country and biathlon arenas. The most famous artists who have performed concerts there include Bruce Springsteen, Robbie Williams, and Metallica.
The forecast for the number of medals for Ukraine at the 2024 Olympics has been published.
