Russian figure skater Mikhail Kolyada, who earned a silver medal at the 2018 Olympic Games, openly discussed his temporary pause from the sport due to mental health challenges. These remarks were shared through DEA News.
He described the struggle in personal and direct terms: health issues have left him not fully physically fit and, at times, mentally unsettled. He noted conversations with coach Alexei Mishin, suggesting that changes in his mental state might not be fully within his awareness. In his view, stepping away from competition can be the wiser choice when uncertainty dominates how to respond to difficult situations. The decision to pause came after significant reflection on what is best for his long-term well-being and performance.
Kolyada achieved a notable milestone at the PyeongChang Games by contributing to Russia’s silver in the team event. He has also earned bronze in the single skating event at the 2018 World Championships and secured podium finishes at the European Championships in 2017 and 2018. These results highlight a career marked by consistent high-level performance across major international stages.
In the 2023 season context, Kolyada faced competitive challenges as he balanced training demands with health considerations and the evolving landscape of men’s figure skating. His recent performances included a third-place finish at the Russian Grand Prix in Moscow, underscoring his ongoing commitment to the sport even as he navigates personal health decisions.
During 2022, the sport world faced a significant upheaval when the International Skating Union (ISU) imposed suspensions on athletes from Russia and Belarus, restricting participation in many international events. In response, Kolyada and his peers focused on domestic opportunities, including national championships and local Grand Prix stages, to maintain competitive momentum while competing within those constraints. This period demanded resilience, disciplined training, and a strategy that kept athletes engaged with the sport and their supporters.
There has also been discourse around the perception and value of Olympic medals in the broader context of an athlete’s career. Notably, comments from fellow skaters, including Evgenia Medvedeva, have addressed how medals are viewed in contrast to other aspects of athletic development and personal growth. Such conversations reflect the evolving conversation within the figure skating community about recognition, longevity, and the pressures associated with elite sport.