An esteemed Soviet-era figure skating coach expressed cautious optimism about future European Championships, hoping Russian skaters would have the opportunity to compete again on that stage. The coach spoke with the respect and candor that has long marked discussions around national teams and international sport, acknowledging the pride that comes with representing a powerhouse in the sport and the desire to showcase talent on a European platform.
In the coach’s words, there was a clear wish to participate in major events and demonstrate the effort and skill that athletes have cultivated. The sentiment was not only about competition but also about proving the depth of a program and the resilience of skaters who have trained through difficult seasons. The emphasis was on performing to the best of their abilities when the chance arises and making the most of whatever resources and opportunities are available at the time.
Late February 2022 brought a significant shift in international sport governance. The International Olympic Committee urged world sports federations to withhold participation from athletes connected to Russia and Belarus in competitions. As a result, the International Skating Union suspended skaters from both nations from competing channels, temporarily removing them from events across the calendar and delaying the chance to take the ice at upcoming championships. This decision reflected a broader stance aimed at preserving the integrity of events and addressing geopolitical realities on the global stage.
By 2023, a number of Russian skaters had pursued changes in national affiliation, a process that has been observed across various disciplines as athletes seek competitive continuity and personal circumstances align with new teams. Names such as Diana Davis and Gleb Smolkin, along with Anastasia Gubanova, emerged in reports noting their new representation with the Georgian national team. This shift marked a new chapter for several athletes, who continued to train and compete under a different flag while maintaining the core private and professional commitments that define a skater’s career.
One former Russian skater, who had previously announced a change in citizenship, spoke about the consequences and emotions tied to the ISU decisions. The voice conveyed a sense of frustration that can accompany abrupt changes in eligibility and the frustration that can accompany transitions between national teams. The dialogue highlighted how governance decisions ripple through athletes, coaches, fans, and the broader skating community, underscoring the human side of sport even when rules and reputations dominate headlines.