Veronika Stepanova, who recently claimed victory in the women's 10+10 km ski relay at the Russian national championships, has sent a message to Swedish skiing superstars Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson, suggesting that they should be prepared for the return of Russian athletes to international competitions. In her post-race interview, Stepanova, referencing Karlsson's two gold medals and Andersson's one at the recent Milano Cortina Olympics, stated, 'Ebba and Frida, just wait, we will be back. We are really coming back.' This statement underlines the competitive spirit and resilience of Russian athletes despite their current limitations in international sports.

Since Russia has been prohibited from participating in international competitions since 2022 due to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many top athletes have been competing in national events. Stepanova's comments not only reflect a desire to reclaim their place on the international stage but also highlight the ongoing discussion around Russia's re-entry into global sports and the reactions it might evoke from the international community. In the interim, some individual athletes have managed to compete under neutral flags at recent Olympic Games and World Cup events, showcasing their determination to remain visible in the athletic world.

The prospect of a return for Russian athletes raises significant implications for international sporting events, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions. As athletes like Stepanova express their intent to return, stakeholders within sporting organizations must navigate the complex landscape of sporting integrity, diplomatic relations, and the responses from other nations who might be wary of Russian participation given the ongoing conflict. This scenario continues to fuel conversations about how sports intersect with politics and nationalism, making it a pivotal issue as the landscape of competitive sports evolves in the coming years.