A former Olympic diving champion who turned sports journalist, Elena Vaitsekhovskaya, used her telegram channel to critique the judging at the Russian Figure Skating Championships. She questioned how Maya Khromykh was evaluated, suggesting, in strong terms, that the judging panel should be reviewed. Vaitsekhovskaya pointed out that Khromykh’s component scores totaled 61.33, with 40.57 assigned for technique, and noted that the report claimed the skater did not stand up from the ice according to some observers. She implied that such judgments undermine confidence in the judging process, and she urged a serious reassessment of the judges involved.
The incident drew attention to the broader issue of how coaches and athletes perceive scoring. Vaitsekhovskaya acknowledged that component marks are often viewed as guidance for coaches rather than athletes. Still, she pressed the point that public criticism among peers creates expectations for accountability across the coaching and judging community. The exchange underscored the social dynamics at play when debate erupts over perceived fairness in the sport.
During Khromykh’s free skating program, she faced a challenging run, with several falls occurring as she attempted elements. The performance ended with Khromykh placing eighteenth, a position that reflected a substantial gap to the leader and a considerably lower overall score than the winner. The gap highlighted the competition’s intensity and the high standard set by top finishers.
The program’s victor was Adelia Petrosyan, another student trained under the renowned coach Eteri Tutberidze, who earned a total of 246.53 points. Sofia Muravyova claimed second place with 239.4 points, while Kamila Valieva, who led after the short program, finished third with 237.99 points. The podium results sparked discussion about consistency, progression, and the training methodologies associated with Tutberidze’s group in recent seasons.
Looking ahead, exhibition performances by the skaters were scheduled to take place in Chelyabinsk on December 24, offering spectators an opportunity to see the athletes perform in a less competitive setting and to gauge developments since the championships in question. The event was framed as a chance to demonstrate skill and artistry outside of the pressures of the formal competition.
In a related development, a separate commentary by Radyonova explored why Petrosyan’s victory in the Czech Republic warranted recognition, adding another layer to the ongoing dialogue about scoring, merit, and national training programs across figure skating communities. This broader conversation reflects the evolving perspectives on judging standards, coaching influence, and the evolving talents of young skaters in the sport. [citation: Russian Figure Skating Championships reporting, analyses by national commentators].