On Davis’ citizenship change and Tutberidze’s potential move to the United States

On the change of Davis’ citizenship and the relocation of Tutberidze to the USA

In early June, reports surfaced that Eteri Tutberidze might begin representing the United States alongside her student Diana Davis, who skates in ice dance with Gleb Smolkin. The speculation grew because Davis was born in the United States and holds American citizenship, fueling questions about a possible flag switch.

Around the same time, it was reported that Tutberidze could remain in the United States for training, leaving Russia in the process. It was noted that she had not yet returned to Russia and appeared to be in the company of Davis and Smolkin.

Tutberidze dismissed the information as false but described the news about her daughter skating under the US flag as intriguing. In an interview with Sports.ru, an American journalist explained the source of the story.

“Last week, Tutberidze encountered a figure skating journalist at the Fort Lauderdale airport, and rumors about Diana’s potential flag change began circulating weeks earlier. I heard this from another coach whose daughter also competes in ice dance. They discussed a possible nationality switch, and when the journalist contacted the American Federation, they were told Tutberidze had posed a similar question. It’s worth considering how real the Davis and Smolkin transition under the US flag might be. Yes, there were rumors, and that’s why the journalist was not surprised by the conversation in Florida.”

The journalist emphasized that Davis holds an American passport and suggested that marriage to his partner (Liz, with Davis and Smolkin also involved romantically) could ease the path to citizenship for the skater.

“The core question remains whether Russia would consent to their departure. A transfer to Georgia is not out of the question either. The louder the denials from Russia, the more credible the possibility becomes.”

A saying is cited: there is no smoke without fire. The journalist remarked on the anti-Western commentary from well-known coaches who spent years in the United States, noting their criticism does not negate the discussion.

Liz pointed out that citizenship changes in sport are a live topic and that sources close to Tutberidze suggest she speaks with confidence about it. The move of Davis and Smolkin to the United States could appear logical, particularly after Russian skaters faced extended exclusion from ISU events. Experts noted that changing citizenship could widen opportunities for competing in international events on a strong team.

“One thing is clear: Eteri will do everything to help her daughter succeed in ice dancing,” the journalist remarked. Diana’s Olympic pathway has been discussed publicly for a year, and some observers thought the idea improbable. The possibility of Tutberidze relocation was considered as part of a broader discussion about the team’s future in a changed competitive landscape.

The journalist mentioned the prospect of Tutberidze joining a US coaching group while acknowledging that some experts questioned the viability of coaching methods under different sporting regulations. A mentor in the United States could offer financial opportunities, as many families might seek a renowned trainer whose skaters have secured Olympic medals in succession.

There are those who doubt the move due to debates over training philosophies and safety standards in sports education. If Tutberidze maintains her current approach, legal challenges could arise, just as similar issues have occurred in other sports. The sport’s administrators and observers continue to monitor the situation as discussions unfold.

“She is a remarkable, enigmatic figure,” the journalist commented. He noted a rink in the United States that reportedly welcomes Tutberidze, anticipating benefits for both the coach and families seeking high-level mentorship for their children.

Still, questions remain about how the transition would align with safeguarding principles and athlete welfare. Critics argue that the methods used in some regions may not meet all safety standards, and potential legal concerns could surface if the approach changes.

The report underscored that the discussion around Tutberidze’s move is highly open in the American skating community. Current and former Russian coaches have been frank about past experiences, while observers weigh the implications for the sport’s international reach and media attention.

There were also comments on the broader media environment and how such a move would be covered. The journalist suggested that a high-profile shift could heighten public curiosity and amplify interest in figure skating across borders.

About the Olympics, the abolition of Russia and the age limit

Liz expressed skepticism about raising the age limit in figure skating, noting the plan to gradually increase the threshold over two years. The change would move skaters into the senior category at 16 next season and at 17 the following year, a shift she believes will not help the sport or curb risky quad attempts.

“This solution hides the core issue behind a layer of spectacle, but the problem remains,” Liz stated. Legendary coach Frank Carroll recently noted that skaters need to stay lean longer, which concerns her. She recalled a Beijing podium moment when a skater, at 17, reached the Games under the new rules, with outfits that pushed the boundaries of thinness. This example raises concerns about potential pressures on young athletes.

The journalist offered a broader perspective: Russia’s exclusion from international competition has been welcomed in part because of events surrounding women’s skating during the Games, not solely due to political factors.

The discussion touched on Alexandra Trusova, who became the first to land five quads in a free program but did not win gold. She faced emotional stress before the awards, an episode that was televised. The decision to remove Russia from some events has been framed as a reaction to the doping controversy surrounding Kamila Valieva. The doping test results sparked controversy and led to adjustments in the competition schedule and podium outcomes, provoking polarized reactions in both Russian and Western media circles.

Liz noted that Western audiences sometimes view skaters like Valieva and Trusova through a lens shaped by broader sports governance and media narratives. In her view, the differences in interpretation between Russian and Western media contribute to a complex dialogue about national teams, allegations, and the ethics of sport.

In discussions about doping in Russian figure skating, Liz asserted that concerns persist about the broader system. She mentioned the longtime presence of certain figures around the sport, and suggested that the timing of results in Beijing raised questions. She added that some coaches may treat all athletes similarly, while a few cases attracted more intense scrutiny, highlighting how governance and trust interact in elite sport.

The conversation also touched on the absence of Russian athletes from recent international events and the potential effects on competition, noting that athletes face the pressures of a shifting global landscape and the evolving rules that govern eligibility and participation.

On prospects for a figure skating landscape without Russian competitors, Liz argued that the United States might not gain an immediate advantage if top rivals from Asia continue to excel. She cited Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto as an example, noting her podium performances in Beijing and her World Cup success in the absence of Russia. The coach suggested that emerging stars in Asia could strengthen regional influence, while the American team would need to cultivate new strengths to stay competitive.

“There aren’t obvious leaders in the American ranks who could capitalize on the Russian absence,” she observed. In contrast, she pointed to the sustained opportunities for skaters in Japan to leverage the situation and advance their own standings. Sakamoto’s Beijing moment was described as a source of inspiration for the next generation, underscoring how the competitive balance could shift as the sport evolves.”