Georgian Figure Skating Federation President Mariam Giorgobiani spoke about the evolving national team landscape, noting that athletes who switch sports citizenship have become more common in the region. In an interview, she described the current state of Georgia’s skating program and her outlook on future talent pipelines. Giorgobiani emphasized that no formal agreements are in place with any country at this moment. She also explained her approach to athlete transfers, saying that priority is given to skaters tied to Georgia or connected through global networks. She pointed out that neighboring nations influence talent flow, and that Georgia often attracts promising male skaters who have ties to the country or the broader world. This reflects a broader regional pattern where neighboring states shape the composition of national teams through transfers and collaboration.
Georgia has notable links with several top-level coaches and skaters who train abroad or competed for other nations before representing Georgia. Among the prominent cases is a Georgian singles skater who trains in Moscow under a renowned coach, coupled with Georgian entrants in pair skating who have roots in Russia. A former European champion, who previously trained and competed for another country, transitioned to the Georgian squad and now works with local partners. Additionally, the daughter of a well-known coach has chosen to skate for Georgia and participates in ice dance with a Georgian partner.
The international sports regulatory environment has also shaped the roster. In late February 2022, the International Olympic Committee urged international federations to limit the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in competitions. This advisory coincided with swift sanctions from the International Skating Union, which suspended athletes from those nations from events. The most recent high-profile event for the Russian contingent occurred at the Beijing Winter Games, underscoring the period of upheaval and realignment in the sport. These developments influenced how national programs adapt, recruit, and retain skaters amid shifting eligibility rules and geopolitical considerations.
Public statements from officials have at times touched on next-year plans for European championships, with some remarks suggesting that coaches may accompany Georgian skaters for major continental events. The interplay between coaching assignments, federation strategy, and international eligibility continues to shape how Georgia builds its teams on the world stage. In this climate, Georgia remains focused on developing homegrown talent while also leveraging international partnerships to strengthen competitive performances [IOC report, 2022; ISU governance updates, 2022].