Yelena Välbe

Yelena Välbe, born on April twentieth, nineteen sixty-eight, is a distinguished former Russian cross-country skier and current coach. Renowned for her exceptional talent, she holds the remarkable record of fourteen gold medals at the FIS World Championships, five of which were achieved in relays during the historic nineteen ninety-seven edition. Her Olympic achievements are equally impressive, with three gold medals and four bronze medals earned across various Winter Olympic Games.

In addition to her athletic prowess, Välbe has made significant contributions to the sport beyond her competitive years. After an unsuccessful bid for the presidency of the Russian Ski Racing Federation in two thousand four, she was elected as the President of the Russian Cross-Country Ski Association in two thousand ten. Furthermore, she has served as the manager of the Russian National Cross-Country Team since two thousand twelve, showcasing her commitment to nurturing future talent.

In two thousand twenty-one, Välbe was elected to the FIS Council, marking a significant milestone in her career. However, her support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine in two thousand twenty-two led to controversy, with several European Ski Federations opposing her participation in the subsequent election. This resulted in her removal from the FIS Council after receiving the fewest votes among twenty-three candidates.

Välbe's statements regarding the conflict, asserting that 'we are not at war with Ukraine and no one attacked it,' have sparked considerable debate and criticism, further complicating her legacy in the sport.