Honored coach of Russia in figure skating Lyudmila Velikova informed about the appearance of dance couple Diana Davis – Gleb Smolkin at the US Figure Skating Association. According to the expert, if the daughter and wife of trainer Eteri Tutberidze change their sports citizenship to American, this would be a logical step, given that they train in America. In addition, Velikova believes that the ban on Russian figure skaters from competing in international competitions contributed to the departure of athletes abroad.
“As for this couple, they’re training in the States with our American coach Igor Shpilband. So, it would make sense for them to continue there. Davis and Smolkin might be a very cool couple but they’re an average option right now. So far, it’s not a top couple and neither is it. Maybe it’s not worth breaking the spear because of them.
As for the others, one should not forget how short the age of the sport is. Naturally, people want to somehow realize themselves, very serious and top athletes may be looking for something – but what to do? We cannot ban. The Federation can, of course, but what will it provide in return? They try to hold competitions – there is also the Kremlin Cup and some kind of jumping tournament. The Federation is doing something, but you can’t stop people,” Velikova told socialbites.ca.
Formerly Renat Laishev Talked about citizenship change by Smolkin and Davis.