Famous Norwegian biathletes publicly spoke out against the 

while the war in Ukraine continues.

Among those who condemned the intentions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to allow athletes from the aggressor countries to compete, Johannes Bö, Tarje Bö, Ingrid-Lannmark Tandrevoll and Sturla Legrade

"It's strange. The time has not yet come. I understand that the IOC has to maintain an ongoing discussion to discuss the situation. But if you look at it, there will be no discussion. You can't bring someone back just because some time has passed. I don't see , that something has changed since the Russians and Belarusians were excluded. Change has to happen before it can be discussed," Johannes Bö told Nettavisen.

"You have to follow your intuition, logic, respect and common sense about what is important in this world. A war cannot be won by a set of rules. Therefore, there should be 100% support that the suspension should continue," Tarjei Byo said. .

"We were surprised that so many people were in favor of Russia being able to compete again. And also that the IOC was in favor of it. This is the most surprising of all. It is unexpected how politicized this decision is and how much money determines it. I must have been very naive before, thinking it wasn't.

It is very naive to separate sports and politics, at least when you see how Russia uses sports to attract support.

I think if we bring them back, it might send the wrong signals," Thunderwall said in an interview with VG

"There have been no changes, so I still support the previous decision. We have to keep the suspension in place. But if there are strong arguments in favor of the fact that the situation has changed, I will reconsider my position," Legrade said.

From February 8 to 19, the 2023 Biathlon World Championship will be held in Oberhof, Germany.

the athletes of the aggressor countries

for an indefinite period .

 and world football legend, former head coach of the Ukrainian national team 

called to prevent Russians and Belarusians from participating in international competitions, including the 2024 Olympic Games

.

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