Linn Svahn Returns to Competitive Skiing Amid Stance on Russian Athletes

Swedish cross-country skier Linn Svahn is making a highly anticipated comeback to competitive skiing after missing the start of the 2025-2026 season due to illness and a serious brain injury with neck damage sustained at the World Championships. Despite the challenges posed by brain fatigue, which limits her media appearances to a single television interview per competition, Svahn remains focused on her performance and participation in upcoming events, including the Olympics.

Kristine Stavås Skistad, who recently won the sprint in Ruka, described Svahn as one of the favorites and a strong competitor capable of delivering top performances. Svahn's coach, Stefan Thomson, expressed confidence in her ability to return swiftly to form, acknowledging her resilience and competitive spirit.

Parallel to her comeback, Svahn spoke candidly about her position regarding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the World Cup, a controversial issue following the Court of Arbitration for Sport's recent ruling allowing these athletes to compete as neutrals. Svahn reaffirmed her view that it is wrong to permit athletes from these countries to participate while the war continues, expressing shock and disappointment at the decision. She stated, "I stand by what I said then," recalling her earlier resolve to consider boycotting competitions if Russian athletes were allowed in.

Despite her objections, Svahn is committed to competing and doing her best, prioritizing her athletic goals. Her health-related decision to limit media engagements is separate from her stance on the ruling, ensuring she can concentrate fully on her recovery and performance.

Svahn's return to skiing and her principled position on athlete participation reflect both her determination as a sportswoman and her engagement with the wider political context surrounding the sport.