State Duma deputy Irina Rodnina, three-time Olympic champion in pair skating, said international competitions are needed for the advancement of figure skating in Russia Sports24.
“Our figure skating is at a good level, but how can we determine this? I know you can’t call yourself strong without competition. Of course, we need international tournaments to progress,” Rodnina said.
At the end of February 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) appealed to international sports federations, recommending that Russian and Belarusian athletes not be allowed to participate in any competitions. For this reason, the International Skating Union (ISU) suspended athletes from both countries from competitions.
At the meeting of the IOC Executive Committee on March 28, 2023, it was proposed to allow the Russians to remain in neutral status if the athletes are not actively involved in supporting military operations. Some federations offer Russians to sign a declaration of neutrality in order to participate in tournaments.
Previously Maxim Trankov statedthat it is difficult for figure skaters to grow without international tournaments.