Former Soviet Union figure skating coach Tatyana Tarasova acknowledged that Russia remains keenly interested in the European Figure Skating Championships, even as the sport faces a suspension that limits its athletes from competition. Her comments reflect a broader attention within the skating community to events where Russian skaters have historically made a significant impact, and they come amid ongoing international debates about eligibility and participation for Russian participants.
Tarasova noted the complexity of following the championships without Russian athletes present. She described watching the proceedings as compelling yet tinged with a sense of absence because many of the leading competitors and fan favorites have traditionally come from Russia. She gave an example: Gubanova, who has represented Georgia in recent seasons, is among the skaters in the field. Tarasova suggested that, in her view, Gubanova could potentially have been ranked higher if the Russian athletes had been competing, illustrating how the absence of Russian contenders can shift the competitive landscape and the overall narrative of the event.
In late February 2022, the International Olympic Committee announced a guidance to international sports bodies, recommending that athletes from Russia and Belarus be barred from participation in eligible competitions. This decision led the International Skating Union to suspend athletes from both nations from events, a move that affected many competitions around the world and altered the trajectory of the sport for that period. The Beijing Winter Games in February 2022 represented the last major stage for many Russian skaters before the suspensions took full effect.
Reports from TASS indicate that the 2024 European Figure Skating Championships, scheduled to be held in Kaunas, Lithuania, from January 10 to 14, would include 27 athletes born in Russia. The announcement underscores the ongoing international dialogue about eligibility, competition, and the evolving political context surrounding the sport as athletes and fans look ahead to the next European showcase.
Previously, Irina Rodnina—an emblematic figure in Soviet and Russian skating history—commented on what the suspension means for the sport, raising questions about how the absence of Russian skaters will influence medal chances, audience interest, and the broader competitive atmosphere. Her reflections contribute to a larger conversation about how sanctions, eligibility rules, and geopolitical events shape the landscape of figure skating on the continental stage. The sport’s community continues to weigh these factors as national federations, athletes, and fans navigate the implications for future championships, training, and international cooperation.