Feb 14 • 10:00 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia Postimees

Russian skiing star blames poor performance on Olympics organizers

Russian skier Savelii Korosteljev expressed dissatisfaction after finishing 15th in the men's 10 km individual start at the Milano Cortina Olympics, attributing his performance to the organizers.

Savelii Korosteljev, a Russian skier competing as a neutral athlete in the Milano Cortina Olympics, was left frustrated following his performance in the 10 km individual start event on Saturday. Despite expectations of a strong showing, he finished in 15th place, over a minute behind the eventual winner, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo. This result was disappointing considering Korosteljev's previous competitive successes and the high stakes of the Olympics, where athletes typically strive for personal and national glory.

In his post-race comments, Korosteljev specifically criticized the organizers of the Games, suggesting that various aspects concerning the facilities and logistics affected his performance negatively. While such accusations are not uncommon in the world of competitive sports, they highlight the pressures athletes face, especially those competing under neutral flags due to international sanctions. This situation emphasizes the ongoing complexities within sports and international politics, particularly concerning Russia's participation in global events.

Korosteljev's frustrations may resonate with many athletes who feel that they are not provided with the best conditions to perform at their peak. This performance may impact his future competitions and the broader narrative around Russian athletes in international events, especially as more scrutiny is placed on how they compete and the support they receive.

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