Mikhail Kolyada Talks About Pressure, Illness, and a Pause in His Skating Career
The Russian figure skater Mikhail Kolyada recently opened up about the emotional toll of public scrutiny and the way his health has intersected with his sporting journey. After taking a break from competition, he described feeling hurt by the criticism that followed him and acknowledged the impact it had on his daily life. His reflections were shared with DEA News, offering a candid glimpse into the challenges that come with high-profile athletic life.
In a forthright conversation, Kolyada addressed the question of whether his sadness stemmed from negative feedback. He affirmed that it did affect him, noting that he is human, alive, and susceptible to emotional swings. He also pointed out that he would prefer to shield himself from the barrage of comments and from the invasive attention that can accompany elite sport. Yet he emphasized that he has learned how to navigate these pressures more effectively than before. The veteran skater remarked that the experience has provided clear lessons about handling criticism and safeguarding his well-being, which are essential for anyone facing sustained public interest.
The announcement of his extended break came amid a period of high expectation for his career. Kolyada previously demonstrated his talent at the highest levels, and the interruption signaled a shift in his competitive path as he reassessed priorities away from the rink. The decision to pause his professional activities was framed not as a retreat but as a strategic step to focus on health and recovery while preserving his long-term connection to the sport.
Throughout his competitive years, Kolyada has accumulated a notable tally of achievements. He helped Russia secure a silver medal in the team event at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, contributing to the squad’s strong showing on the world stage. His individual accolades include a bronze medal at the 2018 World Championships, a couple of bronze finishes at the European Championships in 2017 and 2018, and a podium finish at the Grand Prix final in 2017. Domestically, he is a three-time national champion in 2017, 2018, and 2021, along with multiple podium placements as a vice-champion in 2016, 2019, and 2022. These results illustrate a career marked by consistency and moments of outstanding performance that resonated with fans across the country.
Kolyada’s recent career trajectory has also included seasons affected by health challenges. He was part of Russia’s Olympic team candidacy for the Beijing Games in the 2021/22 season but was unable to compete after testing positive for a coronavirus infection. The setback added another layer to a career already shaped by perseverance and resilience. In the 2022/23 season, he withdrew from the Russian Championship due to an exacerbation of chronic sinusitis, a condition that can significantly impact endurance and competition readiness. These health concerns, coupled with the ongoing pressure to perform, contributed to his decision to suspend competitive activity at that time.
In reflecting on these experiences, Kolyada underscored a practical mindset for coping with the interplay between public attention and personal health. He acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining balance when the scrutiny persists, yet he also highlighted the importance of setting boundaries, seeking support, and prioritizing recovery. The path he described is one of gradual adaptation, where growth comes from addressing both the physical and emotional dimensions of elite sport. The emphasis on health and strategic timing signals a thoughtful approach to professional life that many athletes mirror when confronted with similar pressures. [Attribution: DEA News]
Overall, Kolyada’s story is one of a seasoned athlete navigating the inevitable bumps on the road to sustained excellence. His honest account of dealing with criticism, health setbacks, and the decision to pause competition provides a window into the realities behind the glitz of top-tier skating. In the eyes of fans and observers, the skater remains a figure of resilience whose future plans will likely balance rigorous training with a renewed emphasis on well-being and long-term involvement in the sport he loves. [Attribution: DEA News]