Anton Sikharulidze, the deputy chairman of the Russian Figure Skating Federation, addressed questions about Pyotr Gumennik and the music he uses in his routines. He clarified that the federation did not bar Gumennik from performing to a Rammstein song, specifically Sonne, and stressed there was no prohibition issued by the federation. The clarification comes as part of ongoing discussions about program choices during the season and the organization’s stance on music selections for skaters.
In Moscow, the Russian national team held its test skates on September 16 and 17. The 21-year-old Gumennik had prepared a fresh program for the new season with Rammstein Sonne as the intended musical accompaniment, yet during the event he presented last year’s short program instead. Veronika Daineko, the team coach, explained that news about any potential disapproval of the music surfaced only a few days before the test skates. Given the tight timetable, there was insufficient time to develop and implement a new short program for that particular session.
Gumennik has already established a notable track record, including winning the Russian Grand Prix Final in 2023 and earning a silver medal at the Russian Championship in 2023. These accomplishments underscore his status as one of the federation’s rising talents and highlight the attention given to his competitive choices and performance presentation as he moves through the season.
When asked about the source of the ban, Gumennik indicated that he did not know who would have restricted the use of Rammstein music in his routine. This ambiguity added to the importance of clear communication from the federation and coaching staff regarding permissible music selections and any potential adjustments for upcoming events.
Earlier, another figure skater, Matvei Vetlugin, stated that Gumennik being banned from using Rammstein music was not a fair assessment. Vetlugin’s remarks contributed to the broader discussion about how program components are managed and communicated within the sport, emphasizing the need for transparency and consistency in guidelines so skaters can plan their seasons with confidence.