ISU Moves to Raise Senior Eligibility Age to 17 and Its Global Impact

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The scheduled gathering of the International Skating Union (ISU) took place in Phuket, Thailand. On June 6, the event opened with the first seminars, and on June 7 the official three-day session began. The opening meetings of the figure skating division delivered the most significant news that would shape the sport’s future.

Congress unveiled a plan to raise the age threshold for adult competition to 17.

The minimum age for skaters competing in senior international events will be increased gradually. In the 2022/23 season, current rules remain in effect, allowing an adult career to start at 15. From the 2023/24 season, the limit will rise by one year, and from the 2024/25 season, the minimum age for international senior competitions will be 17.

The decision passed with overwhelming support. All but two votes favored the change, with 100 members voting in favor, 16 against, and two abstentions.

Are you considering a longer competitive arc?

The idea of extending the age for senior eligibility had been on the ISU convention agenda for several years. The aim is to allow skaters to prolong careers and cultivate a more mature presentation in the women’s division.

In today’s landscape, athletes often peak early, and younger skaters frequently enjoy advantages as puberty alters the body’s capacity for complex jumps, including quads.

In recent years, most major titles have gone to skaters just transitioning from junior ranks. This has created a pattern where long-term consistency is hard to maintain, leading to shorter careers at the top level.

For instance, the 2018 Olympic champion faced a swift ascent into senior competition and maintained peak form for only a short period before younger skaters emerged. The era that followed saw new generations surpass the early leaders, shifting the balance of power among the top contenders.

Following that era, the sport saw different trajectories, with some veterans remaining influential but not always matching the performance of the latest newcomers. The question remains how age policy intersects with longevity and the financial and athletic support required to sustain longer careers.

When older athletes are considered, the discussion includes those like a veteran competitor who, at age 25, stands out as a long-standing presence in women’s figure skating. Yet even such athletes face the reality that younger challengers can rise quickly, reshaping expectations on the Olympic stage.

Russia and the policy debate

Analysts believe the age increase could have mixed effects, with Russia potentially bearing a notable impact since many young Russian skaters have dominated major events. A representative from the Russian Figure Skating Federation expressed concern about the timing of the rule change, arguing that extending careers remains important but should not hinge on age alone.

The official stressed that success is not exclusively tied to youth and that financial incentives play a crucial role in encouraging skaters to stay in the sport. While raising the age limit may offer a solution, it would not alone resolve longer-term participation challenges. The emphasis was on creating pathways for skaters to earn income while pursuing education and training, enabling sustained careers beyond early breakthroughs.

Additionally, the new policy could affect several national programs differently, depending on funding structures and support systems in place for athletes pursuing education alongside elite training. This broader context shapes ongoing discussions about how to balance competitive fairness with the opportunity to grow and remain in the sport longer.

Akatieva’s situation

The rule changes will have a pronounced effect on rising Russian skater Sofia Akatieva. Born in 2007, she would miss adult status in the new season by a short margin. Instead, she must wait through another competitive cycle before reaching the adult category, aligning the timeline so that she becomes an eligible adult competitor in the 2026 Olympic year. There is a silver lining: Akatieva will be positioned to contend as an adult in Paris and could emerge as a leading contender for the podium.

What it means moving forward

Regarding other early congress actions, ISU extended sanctions that keep Russian and Belarusian athletes out of international events. This stance also covers ISU officials from those countries, with no competitions held under ISU auspices within their territories. The measures apply across figure skating, speed skating, and short track, and will remain in place until further notice. The policy was explained as a deliberate, staged approach rather than an abrupt change, reflecting ongoing geopolitical considerations that touch international sport. A famed veteran skater noted the gradual adjustment and the need to honor commitments already made, while still acknowledging the broader goals of the federation.

Additionally, a proposal to raise the maximum age for ISU officials did not pass. The attempt to increase the official age from 75 to 80 failed, leaving the current leadership structure in place. As a result, the vice presidency would see a transition in February due to term limits and age requirements, reshaping governance for the federation.

In summary, the ISU’s early decisions reflect a tension between nurturing young talent and creating sustainable, lifelong participation in the sport. The age rule change seeks to balance peak performance with long-term development, while the broader sanctions and governance discussions illustrate the federation’s attempt to manage competition, politics, and athlete welfare on a global stage. This evolving landscape will influence coaching strategies, national programs, and the daily lives of skaters training across North America and beyond. The ISU remains focused on preserving fair play, enhancing athlete support, and ensuring a high standard of competition on the world stage, with substantial implications for the sport’s future in North American circuits and international events. [Citation: ISU congress proceedings and official statements]