LAHTI, Finland – Saveliy Korostelev, the 22-year-old Russian cross-country skier, is rapidly establishing himself as a force in the sport, recently securing his first World Cup podium finish. Though, his journey hasn’t been without its share of unusual headlines, stemming from an unexpected proposition during the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Korostelev competed at the Beijing Olympics under a neutral flag, finishing a close fourth in the skiathlon. It was in the aftermath of that near-medal performance that the story took a bizarre turn. Adult film actress Mary Rock publicly offered Korostelev a “sixteen-hour sexual marathon” if he were to win a medal at the Games, according to reports from the Russian website Pravda.ru and subsequently covered by Czech outlet sport.cz. The offer, made via the Telegram channel Mash na Sporte, quickly gained attention.
Korostelev, understandably, found the situation amusing. “I laughed for half a day when I saw it in the news since it was funny,” he reportedly said. “Sixteen hours is too much, from six in the morning to ten at night. I can’t handle that, I’d rather do other activities.” He later admitted to feeling “shy” when repeatedly questioned by journalists about the offer following the Olympics.
The incident, while unusual, didn’t seem to derail Korostelev’s focus. He continued to compete, and his recent success in Lahti, Finland, demonstrates his growing potential. On Sunday, he finished third in the 10-kilometer race, marking a significant milestone in his career. The race was won by Norwegian star Johannes Klaebo, who praised Korostelev’s development.
“He has made a big step forward this year, and it was nice to watch,” Klaebo told Norwegian broadcaster NRK. “I believe that he will train hard in the summer, then he will definitely be on the podium more often.”
Korostelev’s breakthrough performance comes as he and other Russian athletes continue to navigate complex eligibility rules imposed by the International Ski Federation (FIS). In November 2025, the FIS confirmed the suspension of Russian and Belarusian athletes from qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, a decision that has been challenged through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The Russian Ski Federation, the Russian Olympic Committee, the Russian Paralympic Committee, and twelve individual athletes – including Korostelev – have all filed appeals against the FIS ruling, seeking to overturn the ban and allow Russian athletes to compete at the 2026 Games. Korostelev, a double world junior champion in 2022, is arguing for the right to compete under the same conditions established by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for neutral athletes. He has maintained that he has never expressed support for the war in Ukraine or President Vladimir Putin.
“What we have is not sport. It’s politics,” Korostelev stated after the FIS decision was announced. His junior world championship victories in Lygna, Norway, in 2022 – two gold medals and one silver – highlighted his talent and potential even before the current challenges arose.
Korostelev’s path to the podium hasn’t been straightforward. He made his World Cup debut in December 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, after being granted permission to compete as a neutral athlete for the first time since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. His recent success in Lahti suggests he is quickly adapting to the highest level of competition.
The CAS appeal represents a crucial step for Korostelev and other Russian athletes hoping to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for the future of Russian participation in international skiing. For now, Korostelev is focused on continuing his upward trajectory and proving his abilities on the World Cup circuit.
Korostelev’s next competitive appearance is yet to be announced, but he is expected to continue competing in World Cup events as the season progresses. Fans can follow updates on his progress through the FIS website and official team announcements. The coming months will be critical as he strives to build on his recent success and solidify his position as a leading contender in the world of cross-country skiing.
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