Davis and Smolkin: Citizenship Rumors, Georgian Prospects, and Russian Skating Reactions

No time to read?
Get a summary

State Duma Deputy Svetlana Zhurova weighed in on the report that the dance duo Diana Davis and Gleb Smolkin may perform for the Georgian national team. The update comes through Metaratings.ru, which cited industry sources and public statements circulating in the figure skating community.

Zhurova noted a pattern in the pair’s career path, saying they have already relocated multiple times. She pointed to moves spanning the United States, Canada, and now Georgia, suggesting uncertainty about their next destination. Her remarks reflected a mixture of concern and skepticism about the stability of their professional affiliations and citizenship decisions. She added that she would not form a definite judgment until she witnessed the formal changes on the ice, emphasizing the frequent country changes they have announced and the potential ripple effects on their career trajectory.

Earlier, reports indicated that the Russian Figure Skating Federation had given approval for Davis and Smolkin to change their sports citizenship, potentially paving the way for them to compete under a different flag. The Skating Lesson, a source known for monitoring developments in the sport, claimed that the couple would represent the Georgia national team at international competitions. This information later appeared to be corroborated by a Telegram channel named Lapidarnost. However, Smolkin’s father, actor Boris Smolkin, publicly disputed these claims, adding a layer of family ambiguity to the situation.

For context, Davis and Smolkin achieved notable results during their time representing Russia. At the 2022 Russian Championships, they earned the silver medal and qualified for the Beijing Olympic Games, where they finished in 14th place. Their competitive resume also includes victories such as the Warsaw Cup Challenger and the Russian Cup final. In Grand Prix events, they collected silver medals on two occasions, with podium finishes in both the United States and Russia. These achievements highlight the pair’s skill and consistency on the ice, which makes rumors about their citizenship and national representation particularly impactful within the figure skating community.

In the broader discussion about potential changes in national representation, former renowned Russian coach Tatyana Tarasova voiced concern about the possible departure of the Davis–Smolkin duo to Georgia. Tarasova’s comments reflected a sense of retention for skaters who have contributed to Russian skating’s profile in international competitions, suggesting that such moves could influence team dynamics and preparation strategies ahead of major events. The conversation surrounding their future underscores the ongoing debate about national eligibility, athlete mobility, and the strategic decisions that athletes and coaches weigh when navigating competitive seasons. (Source: Metaratings.ru; The Skating Lesson; Lapidarnost; Tarasova’s public statements)

No time to read?
Get a summary
Previous Article

Verdolaga’s steady form keeps them in the Group B race as semifinals loom

Next Article

Saudi Oil Production Cuts and Russian Demand Signals: A North American Perspective