Elena Sokolova, a figure skating coach, noted that sanctions disrupted the normal flow for Russian skaters to acquire new equipment, including boots. She pointed out that many athletes have long relied on Jackson boots, a Canadian-made brand, but shipments to Russia were halted due to sanctions. As a result, orders now must be placed through intermediaries in Canada, the United States, or Europe, behind a longer and more complex shipping process.
The disruption came amid broader measures in response to the conflict, as the sport’s governing bodies weighed the participation of Russian competitors on the world stage. In late February 2022, the International Olympic Committee issued a call to international sports federations urging that Russian and Belarusian athletes be restricted from taking part in events. This stance reflected a desire to separate sporting competition from geopolitics while maintaining safety and fairness in international events.
On March 1, 2022, the International Skating Union moved to suspend skaters from Russia and Belarus from competitions. The suspension was subsequently extended in June 2023, reinforcing the longer-term impact of sanctions on athletes’ ability to train, travel, and compete at the highest levels of the sport. These measures affected not only participation but also the visibility of Russian athletes in major championships and Grand Prix events.
Later, on December 8, the International Olympic Committee announced that Russian athletes could participate in the 2024 Olympic Games with neutral status. This decision allowed individuals to compete under the Olympic flag rather than for their nation, a framework intended to preserve competitive opportunities while avoiding national symbols tied to the ongoing geopolitical situation.
Earlier, Irina Rodnina weighed in on what steps are necessary to advance figure skating in Russia, emphasizing a focus on foundational development, coaching quality, and access to modern facilities and equipment. The broader discussion highlights how policy, federation decisions, and the supply chain for skating gear intersect with athletic development and international competition, shaping the environment in which skaters train and compete. (Citations: IOC and ISU statements on participation and neutrality, Rodnina remarks on development)”