Russian figure skater Vladislav Dikidzhi revealed that illness could force him to miss the test skates for the national team. The comments came as an update on his condition and the schedule ahead of the next rounds of national events, reported by TASS.
Speaking about the possibility of taking part in the upcoming skates held in St. Petersburg, Dikidzhi explained that his participation would depend on how quickly he recovers. He did not rule out performing if his health improves in the coming days, but he cautioned that his current level of well‑being could prevent him from skating. The athlete stressed that the final decision would align with his physical readiness and the advice of his medical team.
Earlier in February 2024, Dikidzhi earned a bronze medal at the Spartakiad. The event concluded with Evgeniy Semenenko winning gold, while Mark Kondratyuk claimed silver. These results highlighted the depth of talent in the Russian men’s field and set the stage for the national championship battles that followed.
At the 2023 Russian Championships, Dikidzhi led the field after the short program, demonstrating strong form and competitive edge. A misstep during the free skate affected his overall placement, leaving him in second place behind the reigning two‑time national champion Evgeniy Semenenko. Petr Gumennik settled in third after a strong short program but delivered the highest-quality performance in the free skate among all competitors. His performance in the free skate was noted for its technical difficulty and expressive execution, marking him as a rising contender for future events.
Since spring 2022, Russian and Belarusian skaters have faced restrictions from several international competitions. The International Skating Union cited recommendations from the International Olympic Committee when explaining the suspension. As a result, many Russian skaters completed the international season earlier than usual, with the most recent widely recognized international appearance having occurred at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The situation limited opportunities for international exposure and competition while the sport adapted to evolving governance and safety considerations.
Leading into the calendar’s test skate sessions, observers noted that the team would be aiming to showcase progress and readiness across the men’s program. These skates often serve as a crucial barometer for national coaches and selectors, helping to gauge competitive form, polish programs, and address any health or training gaps before major championships. The athletics and skating community watched closely as athletes balanced training stimuli, recovery periods, and strategic planning for upcoming events.