On Wednesday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that Russians and Belarusians may be allowed to participate in the upcoming Olympics under a neutral flag.
The announcement stirred emotions in the sports world.
Long-distance star Linn Svahn is one of several who were critical of the decision.
- I think it is sad and frustrating that we need to have this discussion again and again when there is a war between Russia and Ukraine.
Then I think it goes without saying that we athletes should have the power to speak out.
I stand by what I said all along, I don't want Russian athletes to be in this arena right now, says Svahn to SVT Sport and continues:
- Then it is tragic that individual Russian athletes come under pressure for a decision they did not make themselves.
But Ukrainian athletes are also in trouble.
I don't think that's right.
I don't think we should have to have this discussion.
As long as a war is going on, that door must be closed.
Stands by the boycott threat
23-year-old Linn Svahn has previously talked about boycotting the WC if Russian athletes are allowed to compete again.
Currently, Russians and Belarusians are banned from participating in the WC, but according to Expressen, Fis will review the ban after the IOC's latest announcement.
Linn Svahn stands by her boycott threat.
- Yes, here and now I stand for it.
One hundred percent.
I also hope that I stand for it if I have a WC start and that Russian athletes are welcomed.
Then I hope that I am sufficiently straight-backed to be able to make that decision.
But I hope it doesn't come to that point.
Ebba Andersson is another who reacted when she heard the IOC's announcement.
- I was surprised that it came up on the news once again.
I myself feel that it was quite clear the position that was taken during the start of the season and it doesn't feel like there is any reason to look at it differently now either, says Andersson.