Russian biathlete opens up about gambling dependency
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Hey there! Let's talk about biathlete Alexei Vagin and his love for online poker. Yes, you heard that right! This Russian sportsman isn't all about skiing and shooting - he's got a hidden passion for poker. Sport24 reported his thoughts on the game, and he describes it as an entirely unique experience compared to sports.
"It's unlike anything in sports," Vagin shared. "There's a lot of strategic thinking, excitement, and tension. To be honest, it's tough to explain what I feel during the game."
Interestingly enough, his last poker game was in February, when illness forced him to skip competitions.
Now, let's touch on something that might be a bit more controversial. Remember the ban on Russian athletes by the International Ski Federation (FIS) since last year? Well, reports hint that winter sports federations could mimic the 2024 Summer Olympics experience for the 2026 Winter Olympics when it comes to Russian participants, but there's no solid confirmation yet. The FIS President, Johan Eliasch, indicated this possibility, although no concrete discussions about the return of Russian skiers have been initiated.
In the past, Norwegian skiers were even suggested to tape their mouths as a form of protest.
Now, for those interested, there's been some discussion around the potential participation of Russian athletes, including biathletes like Alexei Vagin, in the 2026 Winter Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been working with winter sports federations to consider allowing Russian athletes to compete in the 2026 Winter Games. However, decisions regarding particular sports and athletes are still being negotiated, and we'll have to wait for more updates on Alexei's participation.
For the record, the IOC states that athletes should not be held accountable for their governments' actions and emphasizes the precedent set by summer sports federations, where Russian athletes have been given the opportunity to compete as neutrals. However, it seems some decisions have already been made for sports like ski mountaineering, while others, like biathlon, are still in the works.
- Biathlete Alexei Vagin, known for his passion for skiing and shooting, surprisingly enjoys the strategic mind games of poker, just like casino-games.
- Despite his love for poker, specifically casino-and-gambling, Vagin was forced to miss his last game due to illness in February.
- Controversy surrounding Russian athletes continues as discussions about their participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics are underway, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) encouraging winter sports federations to consider allowing Russian athletes, like biathlete Alexei Vagin.
- In the past, sports like skiing have been at the center of controversy, with Norwegian skiers resorting to protests such as taping their mouths in 2024.
- As decisions regarding the participation of Russian athletes in various sports for the 2026 Winter Olympics are still being negotiated, putting Alexei Vagin's participation in question, the IOC remains hopeful, citing their emphasis on separating athletes from their governments' actions.
