Deputy President of the Russian Figure Skating Federation, Anton Sikharulidze, spoke about the ongoing dialogue with the International Skating Union regarding the entry of Russian athletes into international competitions. This update was shared by a correspondent from socialbites.ca.
He emphasized that the question should be brought directly to the ISU. The Russian federation remains open and prepared to participate in tournaments across all age groups. Contacts with the ISU are active, and a recent 30-minute discussion about world figure skating was held with Alexander Ilyich Kogan to explore broad topics in the sport.
Sikharulidze noted that the sport loses part of its appeal when Russian athletes are absent. Both the ISU and many international coaches have observed this shift. He argued that the lack of Russian participation affects funding, sponsorship, and the overall development of figure skating, reducing interest in the sport in some markets.
He affirmed a willingness to engage in dialogue to identify practical solutions. He expressed curiosity about when decisions might shift, suggesting that dialogue is gradually moving forward, even if progress feels slow. He remained hopeful that world figure skating could soon regain vitality and momentum.
While acknowledging the current export of talent to international events is constrained, Sikharulidze stressed that the federation continues creating conditions for athletes to reach higher levels. He reassured that young skaters will still have opportunities to compete, secure sponsorship, and engage with partners. He did not perceive widespread sadness or a sense of despair among those involved, but rather a resolve to adapt and persevere.
The Russian Figure Skating Championships are scheduled to run from December 20 to 24 at the Traktor Ice Arena in Chelyabinsk, highlighting a key domestic event in the calendar and a venue with a long-standing history in the sport.
Earlier in 2022, the International Olympic Committee urged international federations to limit the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in events, a move that put pressure on the ISU and other bodies to reassess eligibility rules. In March 2022, the ISU suspended figure skaters from Russia and Belarus from competition, a suspension that carried through to June 2023 when the federation extended the measures. These actions have shaped the competitive landscape and influenced how athletes prepare for future championships.
As the situation evolves, the discussion about prize money at the Russian Championship remains a point of reference for athletes and administrators alike, reflecting broader considerations about compensation, incentives, and the economics of the sport in times of change.