A document published by the International Skating Union outlines changes to how the Russian national figure skating team can participate in international events. The team’s quota has been adjusted, allowing limited entries in each discipline and restricting the number of skaters per event. The update affects both senior and junior competitions, with a reduction in the number of entries Russia can submit across different programs and gender categories on the global stage.
In recent events, Russia has not competed at the World Championships this year due to suspension measures, which has implications for their ranking and validation of points. Yet at the European Championships, Russian athletes still secured the maximum quotas for each program, despite the broader suspension. The continental event proceeded with Russian participation, and quotas remained at the top level for that competition.
There is an expectation that these quotas could change again if the country’s participation remains restricted on the international circuit. Domestic skaters continue to compete locally, while the possibility of qualification or participation in European or World Championships remains uncertain for the near term.
The upcoming European Championship is scheduled to take place in Espoo, Finland, from January 23 to 29. The World Championship is slated for Saitama, Japan, from March 20 to 26. At the previous European Championships held in Estonia, the Russian team earned a rich haul of medals across all categories. Russian skaters achieved gold in multiple disciplines, highlighting a strong domestic program and deep talent pool.
In men’s skating, a Russian athlete claimed the title, while in the women’s events the podium featured skaters trained by prominent coaches, with a representative from Russia achieving a top position. In ice dancing, a Russian pair secured gold, with another duo earning silver. In pair skating, Russian pairs dominated the podium, with a gold medalists team leading the way and other Russian teams finishing in silver and bronze positions.
Historically, the 2021 World Cup reflected a similar pattern, though the Russian presence varied by discipline. Men’s skating saw fewer medals, while other categories featured strong Russian performances, including in ice dance and pair skating. Women’s events again showcased Russian athletes at the top, with gold, silver, and bronze medals awarded to Russian competitors in several disciplines.
“Everything is not up to us”
For socialbites.ca, Maria Butyrskaya, the first domestic world champion in women’s singles, commented on the challenging situation facing Russian skaters. She described the restrictions as unfair and emphasized how the absence of participation hurts even the strongest teams. The resilience of athletes and the hope for a future return to the world stage were central to her remarks.
She noted that the political dimension of sport can complicate timelines for return. The expectation remains that Russia may rejoin the World Championships with a quota when conditions permit, and ambitions continue toward Olympic competition. In her view, the priority is to perform at the Olympics and to rebuild presence on the world stage as soon as possible.
Her message conveyed a belief that a constructive, united effort could restore Russia’s place in international skating. The emphasis was on patience, preparation, and the confidence that the best performers would lead the way back to top-level competition when circumstances allowed.
“I would be happy with a group like this
Katarina Gerboldt, a well-known Russian skater, offered a more optimistic take on the situation. She suggested that achieving a smaller quota might be preferable in the short term if it facilitated a smoother return to international competition. The focus, she said, should be on the long arc of a skater’s career, where the ultimate goal remains the World Championship or the Olympic Games, rather than any single national title.
Gerboldt reflected on the strength of Russian athletes, acknowledging their continued emergence at major championships. She highlighted that the national championship often features a high level of competition, but the global stage remains the most meaningful benchmark for legacy and career milestones.
She concluded that luck plays a role in sports, alongside talent and hard work. The current moment is challenging, but the community can hope for a timely return to international competition. Russian skaters are among the best in the world, and the sport would benefit from steady development and stronger domestic competition to ensure a strong resurgence on the world stage when Russia returns to major events.