The International Olympic Committee, IOC, has decided to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics and the 2026 Winter Olympics under a neutral flag.

The Swedish biathlete Sebastian Samuelsson was not surprised by the news.

- The IOC had a digital conversation with several athlete representatives last week and I understood even then that the winds were blowing in this direction.

But I think it's the wrong decision, says Samuelsson.

"Absolutely horrible"

What do you think about them competing under a neutral flag?

- I think it is difficult to say that it is so neutral, because everyone knows that it is Russian.

If you watch TV, the commentators refer to it as Russia.

I think it's a way of pretending to be a bit harsh but in the end everyone knows what it is anyway.

Sebastian Samuelsson sits on the active biathlon committee.

The International Biathlon Union, the IBU, banned Russians and Belarusians from its competitions last March and has continued to hold that line.

- We have economic sanctions and sanctions in society in many different ways to show Russia that we think their actions are absolutely horrible.

So far, sports have done the same thing, but it is clear that if you start doing this, it is difficult to show solidarity with Ukraine at the same time, says Samuelsson.

Can boycott

Samuelsson does not buy the IOC's argument that individual athletes should not be affected.

- How does it feel for the Ukrainian riders to face Russians in the competition track?

I think it feels very strange.

War is no fun for anyone and it's no fun for the Russian athletes, certainly not, but I think this is a suspension that needs to stay.

Have you considered boycotting the Olympics?

- I have not taken a position on it, but I think that this will be an incredibly controversial decision among the people or the audience in Europe.

I think the IOC risks boycotts from several countries in various sports and all sorts of things.

It's a little too early to say now, but I think you're losing yourself, really, says Sebastian Samuelsson.