A standout performance emerged from figure skater Margarita Bazylyuk, who trains under the renowned coach Eteri Tutberidze in Russia, during the national jumping championship held in Moscow. The event drew attention for its distinctive display and the high level of technical ambition displayed on the ice.
At just 12 years old, Bazylyuk attempted a bold sequence, launching into two quadruple Salchow jumps from an oiler. Officials chose not to evaluate the element because it occurred after the segment in which the skater had already secured her victory. A video recording of the jump is available on the telegram channel “Okko Figure Skating.”
Historically, no female skater had ever landed two quadruple jumps back-to-back. Yet this particular Russian Jumping Championship is treated as an exhibition event, so the achievement will not be formally counted toward official records or titles. The distinction underscores the evolving standards of performance in junior and senior levels, as well as the ongoing conversation about how exhibitions intersect with competitive metrics.
In the same competition, 16-year-old Adelia Petrosyan captured second place with a score of 57.89, and 12-year-old Elena Kostyleva earned third with 54.69. These results highlighted the emergence of young talents and the depth of depth in the national field, signaling a promising generation of skaters who are pushing technical boundaries while balancing artistry and program components.
Looking ahead, a team tournament is scheduled for January 21 as part of the Russian Jumping Championships, adding another layer to the event’s format and allowing pairs or groups to showcase synchronized skills and strategic collaborations on the ice. The program structure reflected the federation’s emphasis on broad participation and the cultivation of a robust national pipeline.
Meanwhile, on the international stage, the IOC’s decision at the end of February 2022 to advise international sports federations to bar domestic and Belarusian athletes from certain competitions had a significant ripple effect. That guidance prompted a reevaluation of eligibility rules for athletes from affected regions across multiple sports, shaping the competitive landscape for international events throughout that season.
In response to these concerns, the International Skating Union (ISU) suspended athletes from Russia and Belarus from ISU-sanctioned competitions. During the 2022/23 season, the ISU concentrated its governance on domestic events, including the Russian Grand Prix stages and the national championship, while discussions about Russia’s return to international competition continued at governance meetings, including one held in October. The ongoing dialogue reflected the balance between upholding competitive integrity, ensuring athlete safety, and addressing broader geopolitical considerations that influence sport today.
There has also been notable dialogue within the skating community about changes in training approaches, athlete wellness, and the evolving standards for progression from junior to senior competition. In this climate, coaches, athletes, and national federations are navigating the best ways to prepare emerging talent for higher levels of competition while maintaining rigorous safety and development protocols. It remains a dynamic time for the sport as it adapts to new technical demands and the changing international environment.