Sebastian Samuelsson is one of the biggest critics of the Russian Biathlon Union. He does not let his opinion on the exclusion of biathletes be influenced.
The attack on Ukraine has ensured not only in biathlon that Russian athletes are excluded from the competitions of their respective sport.
One of the biggest supporters of this measure remains the Swedish biathlon star Sebastian Samuelsson. A point of view that probably also makes the 2018 Olympic champion vulnerable.
Sebastian Samuelsson confirms his opinion on the exclusion of Russian biathletes
Biathlon star: “If there is a death list in Russia…”
In a documentary by the broadcaster SVT, which accompanies Samuelsson on his way to the Olympic Games, among other things, the Swede said that he had received death threats several times because of his clear opinion. Nevertheless, he limited the importance himself: “If there is a death list in Russia, there are certainly quite a few people higher up than me.”
Samuelsson does not want to be dissuaded from his position in the future and argued: “This is a big issue for our sport. It is important that someone takes responsibility and says what many people think.”
Samuelsson demands peace and anti-doping program
Samuelsson’s criticism of Russian biathletes goes beyond the exclusion in 2022. Previously, the 28-year-old criticised the numerous doping offences within the association.
Although it would be “strange” and “unthinkable” to seriously discuss the re-entry of Russian athletes under the circumstances of the ongoing war, Samuelsson was not fundamentally opposed to a comeback despite corresponding accusations. “There is this prejudice that I would hate the Russians, but I always want to compete against the best and I also like to compete against Russian runners,” he said, and offered an end to the war and an effective and credible anti-doping program as prerequisites.