Russian figure skater Grigory Fedorov continues training in Moscow after military draft
Grigory Fedorov, a Russian figure skater, was drafted into military service but remains active in training with CSKA. He continues to train in the group led by Svetlana Sokolovskaya, a arrangement that has drawn attention after the announcement by RIA News. The situation highlights how athletes balance compulsory service with ongoing competitive preparation, a dynamic that affects squad composition, scheduling, and long-term athletic development. Fedorov’s placement within CSKA’s program suggests a structured approach to maintaining form even as service obligations begin, ensuring that training momentum is preserved while duties are addressed.
The previously published list of athletes expelled from the CSKA Olympic Reserve Figure Skating School had included Fedorov. The revelation on social networks brought questions about the criteria and timing of expulsions, as well as the conditions under which athletes are allowed to continue training. In this case, the official explanation indicates that the removal from the program was tied to service length rather than a disciplinary measure. The ongoing coaching arrangement with Svetlana Sokolovskaya’s group remains a central element of Fedorov’s routine, signaling a commitment to continuity in coaching and program execution despite the shift in status.
According to the source, the athlete was recruited into the sports company, yet will continue to train with Sokolovskaya’s group. The stated rationale emphasizes that the dismissal decision functioned as a procedural formality connected to the duration of his military service, rather than a change in his competitive status or training trajectory. This nuance matters for interpretation by fans and sports administrators alike, as it clarifies that competitive readiness is not abandoned during service. The situation also underscores how large sports organizations manage the overlap between mandatory duties and elite-level preparation at the highest tiers of the sport.
In the 2023/2024 season, Fedorov achieved a notable competitive record, finishing third with 251.10 points in the second stage of the Russian Figure Skating Grand Prix in Omsk and placing eighth with 223.32 points in the fourth stage at the Kazan Grand Prix. The results reflect a consistent performance across two challenging events and provide context for his standing within national rankings. These performances illustrate not only technical proficiency but also the ability to maintain focus and execute programs under varied conditions, a testament to the quality of his coaching, his physical preparation, and his artistic interpretation on the ice.
Historically, the ice world has seen shifts in eligibility and participation due to international policy. At the end of February 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) appealed to international sports federations, urging that Russian and Belarusian athletes be restricted from competing in events during sensitive geopolitical periods. This appeal signaled a broader collective stance aimed at preserving a level playing field and ensuring that political developments do not undermine the integrity of sport.
On March 1, 2022, the International Skating Union (ISU) suspended figure skaters from Russia and Belarus from international competition, a measure intended to enforce the IOC’s recommendations and maintain competitive fairness on the world stage. The ISU later extended this suspension in June 2023, reinforcing the ongoing restrictions and shaping the path for athletes who would otherwise compete internationally. The suspension added another layer of complexity for athletes like Fedorov, who needed to navigate national events, training camps, and international eligibility within a shifting regulatory landscape.
Earlier in this period, other Russian skaters such as Morozov and Eremenko decided to leave Russia. Their departures contributed to changes in the national program and training ecosystems, influencing the pool of available coaching resources, partner combinations, and competition strategy. These developments collectively impacted the broader environment in which Fedorov and his peers prepared for national and international assignments, illustrating the interconnected nature of sport, policy, and personal career paths.