Three-time Olympic champion in figure skating and State Duma deputy Irina Rodnina weighed in on the request from Russian ice dance duo Annabel Morozov and Igor Eremenko to switch their citizenship. Rodnina’s remarks were shared by Sports24 as the conversation unfolded in the public eye. The veteran skater approached the topic with a measured perspective, underscoring the human element behind such decisions and signaling that personal journeys often carry more weight than the spectacle of national allegiance.
Rodnina admitted that she did not keep close track of Morozov and Eremenko in recent times, saying she harbors no hard feelings toward their choice to pursue another nationality. Her commentary reflected a stance of empathy, noting that leaving one’s homeland can feel like a withdrawal from a life once built around competition and national representation. Her sentiment carried a sense of goodwill, encouraging the skaters to pursue their paths without bitterness, and offering a succinct wish for their continued success, as reported by Sports24.
Earlier, on November 29, Russian news agencies reported that Morozov and Eremenko were contemplating acquiring French sport citizenship. The pair also parted ways with their longtime mentor Anzhelika Krylova, parting ways with the coaching relationship they had developed over the current season. The couple has since relocated to the United States, where they will be under the supervision of their partner’s father, Nikolai Morozov, who serves as both coach and choreographer. The move marks a new chapter as they transition away from Russia, a development that has generated debate among fans and professionals about the impact on their competitive trajectory and the broader dynamics of international skater mobility.
During the current season, Morozov and Eremenko were unable to take part in Russian Grand Prix stages due to injuries affecting their partners. The pair also did not secure qualification for the Russian Championships, a setback that added to the narrative surrounding their attempt to redefine their competitive footprint on the world stage. The injuries, coupled with shifting training arrangements and cross-border changes, contributed to a period of uncertainty that has accompanied their evolving career strategy.
In discussions that followed, reports indicated that Morozov and Eremenko intend to maintain their working relationship with Anzhelika Krylova even after their departure to the United States. The arrangement suggests a continued exchange of expertise and artistic collaboration, reflecting a broader trend of international partnerships where athletes seek stability and mentorship while exploring new training environments. As the skating world watches, observers note that this kind of continuity can be critical in sustaining technical proficiency and program continuity through transitions in nationality and coaching affiliations. This sense of ongoing collaboration, despite geographic changes, has been a recurring theme in the careers of skaters who navigate the complex interplay between personal ambition, national representation, and professional guidance. Sports media have highlighted the resilience of the skaters as they adapt to new teammates, choreographers, and competitive calendars, signaling that their core goals remain focused on performance excellence and the pursuit of new horizons. As these developments unfold, the sports community continues to monitor the choices Morozov and Eremenko make, and how those choices influence their competitive identity on the international scene, all as observed by Sports24.