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First this blow, then the body check: Cross-country star Alexander Bolschunow caused a scandal in Lahti
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Jussi Nukari / dpa
Russian cross-country skier Alexander Bolschunow has apologized for attacking a competitor at the World Cup in Lahti, Finland.
"On behalf of the Russian Ski Association, Alexander Bolschunow and President Jelena Wälbe apologize for the reaction during the relay competition," said a message published by the World Federation of FIS.
The 24-year-old Russian had freaked out in a competitive final sprint in the relay race on Sunday.
His Finnish rival Joni Mäki had left him no place on the home straight.
Bolshunov then hit the Finn with his fist and rammed him down after crossing the finish line.
The Finnish team, which had expected their final runner in the finish area, reacted prudently - and thus prevented a further escalation.
The association had sent an "official letter of apology" to the Finns, it said.
One very much hopes that the hard work and performance of the athletes can now come back into focus.
Bolshunov's father had previously told sports.ru that he could understand his son's reaction.
"Maybe I would have hit harder," he said.
Coach takes Bolshunov in protection
Russia's German coach Markus Cramer, on the other hand, showed insight.
“It's just the emotions and the adrenaline.
He reacted absolutely wrongly, "he told the German press agency.
“With an hour's gap he also realized that this is not good sporting behavior.
He's sorry too, ”said Cramer.
The world federation FIS is currently discussing further consequences.
Russia's squadron had been disqualified.
Bolschunow is one of the best cross-country skiers in the world.
At the 2018 Olympic Games, he won three silver medals and one bronze medal.
At the Nordic World Ski Championships in 2019 he secured four silver medals.
This season he leads the overall ranking in the World Cup.
However, also because the strong Norwegians paused two months in the corona crisis.
Before the World Ski Championships in Oberstdorf, which starts on February 23, Bolschunow is one of the favorites.
The 24-year-old is considered highly talented, professional and ambitious - but sometimes also impetuous.
In between you have to slow it down, Cramer told the Neue Zürcher Zeitung in early January.
Bolshunov does not seem to be the best loser either.
Even before the scandal in Lahti, the Swiss adviser to the Russian team, Hansi Hobi, said that Bolshunov "used to be unresponsive for hours after a defeat".
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