Sports journalist Elena Vaitsekhovskaya commented on the Russian Figure Skating Federation’s decision to prevent Dario Chirizano from changing his sports citizenship. She pointed out that the federation chose not to allow a Russian skater to compete for the Czech Republic, and in the current geopolitical climate, she described the move as a logical and predictable outcome. Vaitsekhovskaya shared this assessment on her telegraph channel, underscoring how political realities can shape eligibility rules in international sport.
According to her observation, Chirizano faced a two-year quarantine without the federation’s passing document, a restriction that runs through the end of this year. This period effectively limits his ability to participate internationally under his chosen allegiance until the quarantine is completed, a detail she highlighted while discussing the broader implications for athletes navigating nationality changes amid political tensions.
In her commentary, Vaitsekhovskaya questioned the level of public concern about missing competition time, implying that the consequences were foreseeable given the governing body’s stance and the surrounding political environment.
Chirizano had previously competed in a dance duet with Irina Khavronina while representing Russia. At the end of 2022, the partnership ended, and by early May it emerged that Chirizano had formed a new duet with Denisa Tsimlova of the Czech Republic. The pair relocated to Montreal and began training under coach Roman Agenauer, signaling a fresh chapter in his skating career and a potential shift in his international affiliations.
Previously, former Deputy Irina Rodnina announced that Chirizano would not be allowed to change his sports citizenship, a decision that has significant implications for the skater’s competitive trajectory and the eligibility landscape within figure skating circles.