Norway Ski Body Says Russians Not Welcome to Compete There

Gold medalist for the men's weather-shortened 50km mass start free cross-country skiing competition, Alexander Bolshunov, centre, of the Russian Olympic Committee stands with compatriot and silver medalist, Ivan Yakimushkin (L) and bronze medalist Simen Hegstad Krueger (R) of Norway on the podium during the closing ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, Feb. 20, 2022. Jae C. Hong/AP Photo

GENEVA—Russian skiers are not welcome to compete in Norway because of “violations of international law and attacks on the Ukrainian people,” the Nordic country’s ski federation said Saturday.

Norway’s call directly contradicts International Ski Federation (FIS) policy announced late Friday and comes days after the winter sport power topped the Beijing Olympics medal table with a record 16 golds. The final men’s medal awarded in Beijing saw Russian and Norwegian cross-country skiers share the podium in the Bird’s Nest stadium.