Russian Minister of Sports Oleg Matytsin addressed the controversy surrounding figure skater Pyotr Gumennik after he selected a piece by the German band Rammstein for a routine. His comments were captured and quoted by Match TV, illustrating the ongoing debate about program music in the sport.
Matytsin questioned whether this should be treated as a major issue, emphasizing that the federation ultimately holds the authority to approve or veto program elements. He urged a more responsible and consistent approach to music selection, signaling that policy guidance may tighten to ensure alignment with broader sporting and cultural standards.
During the test skates held in Moscow on September 16 and 17, Gumennik, who is 21 years old, entered the ice with a plan for a new season program featuring Rammstein. However, he performed the previous season’s short program, a choice that prompted discussions within the coaching team and among officials. Coach Veronika Daineko explained that information about potential disapproval of the Rammstein selection emerged several days before the test event, leaving insufficient time to choreograph and rehearse a new short program in advance.
Gumennik stated that he was not aware of a formal ban on using Rammstein music, adding to the confusion surrounding the decision-making process. The athlete’s recent results include a silver medal at the most recent Russian Championships, underscoring his standing in domestic competition despite the administrative questions now raised by his program music choice.
Since spring 2022, Russian skaters have focused their competitive efforts within national events, owing to broader sanctions that have limited participation in international circuits. This shift has intensified discussions around program content, including music selections, as athletes adapt to a tightened regulatory landscape while continuing to pursue podium finishes and international recognition when opportunities arise.
In the broader context, observers note that the Gumennik situation highlights the delicate balance between artistic expression and federation guidelines in Russian figure skating. The team around Gumennik—coaches, choreographers, and support staff—appears to be navigating a period of heightened scrutiny, with calls from officials and analysts for greater clarity and communication in decision-making related to music and program structure.
Past statements from figures such as Svetlana Zhurova have echoed the sentiment that the team needs to foster greater understanding and alignment with regulatory expectations. As this episode unfolds, the sport’s community is watching closely how policy updates will translate into practical guidance for skaters, choreographers, and coaches preparing for competitive seasons ahead. The emphasis remains on ensuring that artistic choices harmonize with safety, compliance, and the integrity of the sport, while still allowing skaters to express themselves on the ice. The discussion continues to evolve as more details emerge and official positions are clarified by the federation and national authorities.