He was once seen as one of the brightest young prospects in cross-country skiing, tipped to challenge Johannes Høsflot Klæbo and the Norwegian stars. But the 21-year-old may never get the chance, as the FIS confirmed this week that the suspension of athletes from Russia and Belarus will continue for the 2025/2026 season.

The International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS) decision means that Russian and Belarusian skiers will not be allowed to compete in the World Cup — or qualify for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games — even under a neutral flag.

“This isn’t sport. It’s politics,” said Saveliy Korostelev, speaking to Russian media after the decision was announced. The young skier expressed frustration and anger at the war that has effectively stalled his career.

Korostelev, who won two gold medals and one silver at the 2022 Junior World Championships in Lygna, Norway, has not competed internationally since that event. The FIS suspension came days after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Also Read: FIS says no to Russia

Emotional reactions from fellow athletes

Austrian cross-country skier Mika Vermeulen, who trains in Ramsau where the Russian team is currently based, described a deeply emotional encounter with Korostelev.

“For me personally, it’s very hard. It’s heartbreaking,” Vermeulen told Langrenn.com.

“He passed my house on roller skis and saw me. He stopped to talk — and then he started crying because he’s so sad he can’t race in the World Cup or the Olympics. He doesn’t support the war or Putin at all, but he’s being excluded anyway. I understand why — sport is just a small part of the bigger world picture — but he’s a good friend, and it hurts to see him like this.”

Read More – Russians furious after FIS decision: “We will use all available means”

Russian officials announce appeal

The Russian Olympic Committee reacted strongly to the decision, calling it “unacceptable” and announcing plans to appeal.

“We consider this completely unacceptable and contrary to the principles and values of the Olympic Charter,” said Russian Olympic Committee President Mikhail Degtyarev in Russian media on Wednesday afternoon.

“The Russian Ministry of Sports and the Russian Olympic Committee, together with our national federations, will now work on an appeal against the FIS Board’s decision,” said Degtyarev.

The FIS Council had debated the issue for more than five hours before voting to maintain the exclusion. The decision aligns with the stance already taken by the International Biathlon Union (IBU), which confirmed earlier this year that Russian and Belarusian athletes will remain barred from international competition.

For Korostelev and other young talents who once dreamed of Olympic participation, the wait — and uncertainty — continues.

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