Tutberidze’s speech
Renowned Russian coach Eteri Tutberidze spoke about the exclusion of Russian skaters from international events. The International Skating Union (ISU) announced on March 1 that Russian athletes would be barred from competitions under its umbrella, a ban that already affected participation at the World Championships. This summer, the measure was extended to the upcoming season.
“World Championships, distribution of Grand Prix events, rankings updates, and more — all of this is deeply frustrating. I understand many viewpoints, but I cannot accept the removal of our athletes and young skaters from international competition. Yes, sharing medals and enjoying the small joys is easier, but what about the basics — fair play? ” Tutberidze wrote on social media.
Or perhaps that is exactly what our athletes are feeling, as they explained to the public. “Ratings shouldn’t be updated and titles shouldn’t be awarded while we’re gone — that makes no sense. It’s the sport that crosses borders and brings athletes together worldwide. This appears to be a serious misstep by a group of people who have the power to decide. May everyone find a path out of this situation.”
“Athletes can’t be blamed”
Tutberidze’s remarks quickly ignited a broad discussion within the figure skating world, especially in Russia, drawing reactions from colleagues, journalists, and politicians.
“Eteri Tutberidze’s name is quite apt. It would be fair for our skaters and other competitors,” Sport24 quoted Olympic silver medalist and choreographer Ilya Averbukh. “The participation of Russians strengthens the standing of all other athletes, and without our team the dynamic loses its edge.”
“I completely agree with Eteri Georgievna that international ratings shouldn’t be updated without Russian skaters,” commented Alexei Yagudin, Olympic champion and current TV presenter, in a note to Sport-Express.
Alexei Zheleznyakov, choreographer for Tutberidze’s group, offered a detailed endorsement in a Match TV interview. “Clearly these requests may go unheard, yet I stand by Eteri Georgievna fully. The adage ‘Sport is outside politics’ has long existed but seems to have faded. Now politics has crept into sport, and that headline demands attention because what is happening now is unmistakably political.”
“They are punishing athletes who have not committed any wrongdoing. Athletes from all over the world — not just Russians — face the impacts. People who travel the globe compete alongside one another. Sport should unite and lead toward peace, but the current reality tells a different story.
A group of officials with Western sympathies orchestrated this situation. It feels chaotic. This should not intrude into sports or the arts. The idea of banning Russian culture, like Pushkin, seems absurd. The current move feels like madness.”
Children and young people bear the brunt, Tutberidze noted. Adults may struggle to grasp the full picture, but the younger generation feels every impact deeply. From age four, they train hard, endure injuries, and chase medals while political tensions surface at every turn.
The statement found support from an unlikely source — Evgeni Plushenko, spouse of producer Yana Rudkovskaya, who has long debated the competition of figure skating schools with Tutberidze. Rudkovskaya stated, “I agree wholeheartedly with Eteri Georgievna Tutberidze. Her suggestion is constructive.” She added that Western sports officials have injected politics into sport, jeopardizing the careers of countless young Russian athletes, across winter and summer disciplines. She asked, “What would ratings in figure skating look like without Russian participants? There would be none. Real fairness in sport means there cannot be ratings without Russian athletes.”
“Did Tutberidze think before speaking?”
Not everyone shared the same view. Former Olympic champion and State Duma deputy Irina Rodnina doubted the speech would alter policy, saying federations across the board often align with the global political climate. Rodnina told Metaratings that the present situation is shaped by broader international sentiment toward Russia.
Four-time Olympic biathlon champion Alexander Tikhonov disagreed with Tutberidze’s stance. “If we could steer the conversation, we might have a chance to speak more freely. Did Tutberidze consider the impact of her words? Some doubt it. Today, Russia’s presence in world sport is diminished, though there are positive examples in biathlon and athletics. We are faced with many bans, and it’s not clear who benefits. Idle talk risks creating more problems.”
He added that it remains unlikely the ISU will reverse course, though it could press athletes to take a stand for their compatriots. “If politicians pressure them and the athletes cling to national representation, consequences could follow. The path forward may hinge on who dares to support Russian participation.”
“Let’s Motivate Athletes”
Russian officials behind Tutberidze did not retreat from the call. Alexander Gorshkov, head of the Russian Figure Skating Federation, told Match TV that the debate had already drawn extensive commentary and that they had filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. “We have prepared for the calendar with the necessary competitive practice and motivation for skaters and will strive to maintain this drive,” he said. Details remain private for now.
Valentin Piseev, Honorary President of the Russian Figure Skating Federation, voiced strong backing for Tutberidze. “What more can be added when the best coach in the world speaks on the matter? Listen closely. The reaction of the ISU and the IOC will reveal a lot, but the core message is clear and valid.”