Dmitry Aliev, the Russian figure skater, weighs in on a new era where quadruple jumps are increasingly common at younger ages. His observations, relayed by Sports24, highlight a shift in the sport’s talent pool and the pressures young skaters face as they chase technical milestones.
Aliev and Sasha Samarin stand out as the last generation of skaters born in the 1990s, with many of their peers now a few years younger. Today’s path to the top often starts with early exposure to quad jumps, a trend that mirrors the trajectory of skaters like Mark Kondratyuk. For athletes with a physique suited to such demands, the route can feel almost made to order. Yet Aliev notes that this surge in early specialization comes with its own set of challenges. He emphasizes that while soaring technical feats are impressive, they do not define everything a skater can achieve. Producing a broader repertoire and maintaining long-term health are equally vital, and conquering a demanding field often proves a personal milestone beyond mere wins.
On October 29, Aliev clinched the third stage of the Russian Grand Prix in Krasnoyarsk, accruing 260.07 points and signaling a strong form as the series unfolds. His performance adds to a resume that already includes the 2020 European title and a Russian national championship in the same year, underscoring a sustained high level of competition within national and regional circuits.
The global skating community has closely watched the International Skating Union ISU decisions that paused participation for Russian and Belarusian athletes in international events. During the 2022/23 season, athletes focused on domestic events, including the Russian Grand Prix stages and the national championship. Although a discussion about returning to the broader international arena appeared during an ISU meeting in October, no decision was finalized for the 2023/24 campaign or beyond in that setting, keeping many athletes competing primarily at home for the time being.
Earlier, a well-known figure in skating circles weighed in on the development trajectory of Tutberidze’s students, offering observations about performances on the Grand Prix stage. The commentary reflected a broader debate about how training methods, competition calendars, and youth progression influence results at major events. Within this context, Aliev’s remarks contribute to a nuanced understanding of why some skaters succeed quickly in a field that increasingly prizes quad rotations alongside artistry and consistency.