Two-time Olympic figure skating champion Evgeni Plushenko expressed clear disagreement with the International Skating Union’s ISU proposal to simplify the sport’s rules. He opposed reducing the number of compulsory jumps in single skating from seven to six and allowing a jump to be repeated up to three times. Plushenko argued that such changes would hinder the sport’s growth and evolution, stoking concern about the direction of competition and performance standards. He noted that skating remains primarily a sport, even as it blends artistry and expression, and asserted that the sport should retain its competitive core rather than move toward a simplified framework that could dilute technical depth and athletic rigor (TASS).
According to Plushenko, these alterations would undermine the development trajectory of figure skating. He emphasized that the sport thrives on challenging the skaters with a comprehensive set of elements, and any move to compress the structure risks diminishing the discipline’s competitive integrity and spectator appeal. The former champion stressed that maintaining a robust, technically rich program is essential for showcasing athletic skill, precision, and musical interpretation, which together define the essence of elite skating (TASS).
In a broader context, the ISU’s governance decisions have periodically affected the participation of athletes from certain regions. In March 2022, the organization suspended Russian and Belarusian competitors from international events. The 2022/23 season saw these athletes competing primarily in domestic circuits, including the Russian Grand Prix events and the national championship. While an ISU meeting in October 2023 addressed the question of a potential return for Russian athletes, no formal proposal was brought forward at that time, leaving the status quo in place for the season ahead (TASS).
Within this evolving landscape, public attention has also turned to other notable moments in the sport. For instance, former Olympic skater Alina Zagitova drew attention by sharing a video related to a short dress, a reminder that figure skating remains deeply intertwined with fashion, presentation, and media storytelling as athletes navigate fame beyond the rink (TASS).
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