The third stage of the Russian Figure Skating Grand Prix, held in Krasnoyarsk, concluded with a decisive finish in the men’s competition. Dmitry Aliev emerged as the champion, earning a total of 260.07 points. In second place, Dmitry Samarin finished with 256.99 points, while Peter Gumennik claimed the bronze with 242.77. The podium positions highlighted a strong lineup and underscored the depth of talent in Russian men’s figure skating this season.
Following the short program, Aliyev stood out as the overall leader of the event, while Petr Gumennik found himself in eighth place after the initial segment. The results showcased a dramatic progression from the short program to the free skate, where athletes often solidify or shift the standings based on technical difficulty and program execution under pressure.
Aliyev, who has already established himself as a top competitor on the European stage, carried that momentum into the Grand Prix event. He is recognized for having won the European championship in 2020, in addition to securing the Russian national title in the same year. His performance in Krasnoyarsk reinforced his standing as a consistent title hopeful and a key figure in Russia’s current skating cohort.
Looking ahead, the schedule indicated that on October 29 the ladies would perform their free program, with Maria Agayeva positioned as the provisional leader after the short program. The divergence in pacing between the men’s and women’s segments often drives fan anticipation, as audiences in Canada, the United States, and beyond track the progression from short programs to free skates and the emergence of potential medal contenders.
Beyond the competition results, the broader context for Russian and Belarusian skaters has included ongoing ISU sanctions. The International Skating Union suspended athletes from these countries from international events, directing them to focus on domestic competitions such as Russian Grand Prix stages and the national championship during the 2022/23 season. Although discussions about the possible return of Russian athletes were raised at an ISU meeting in October, the agenda did not include a decision on reinstatement at that time. This backdrop has shaped athletes’ preparation, sponsorship considerations, and fan engagement across North America, where audiences closely follow the implications for international meeting schedules and medal opportunities.
In discussing past performances, observers noted comments from coaching circles regarding how the season’s tensions and coaching strategies influence outcomes on the Grand Prix circuit. For instance, Tarasova’s remarks about Tutberidze’s students’ results during the Grand Prix stages were cited in analysis, highlighting how coaching approaches, program choices, and execution expectations can impact a skater’s competitive trajectory. This deeper context helps explain not only who won, but why certain skaters rose to the top amidst a field shaped by both athletic merit and external regulatory factors, offering a richer picture for fans following the sport in North America and beyond.