In a poignant moment, Tatyana Tarasova, recognized as a revered coach from the Soviet era, spoke about the forthcoming decision by the ethics commission of the Russian Figure Skating Federation (FFKKR) regarding Evgeni Plushenko’s recent comments, set to be reviewed on March 20.
“Why punish him? You can’t say what you think in the country where you were born, trained, earned medals, and spent many years. What is this? What kind of news is this? I have no stake in this ethics committee. Let them look at themselves and their entire life. I am certain there will be no real solution. Is it allowed to work? No. The rest is not important. It feels foreign to me and it is repulsive,” Tarasova was quoted as saying by DEA News about the situation.
Plushenko’s remarks came after he expressed dissatisfaction with the junior rankings of his students at the Russian Championship for juniors, hinting at the possibility of relocating his team to other clubs. The federation’s ethics panel will assess the statement as part of the ongoing review.
Following the controversy, Fedchenko characterized Plushenko’s words as blackmail and hysteria. Plushenko Academy subsequently filed a formal complaint with the FFKKR, raising concerns about his statements.
Alina Gorbacheva, who trained alongside Fedchenko, captured first place at the Russian Junior Championships, while Plushenko’s students Veronika Zhilina and Sofia Titova finished in second and third place, respectively.
Previously, Evgeni Plushenko had stated that he did not declare a moratorium on media interactions, maintaining his stance on communicating with reporters and continuing to provide his insights into the sport.
As the narrative unfolds, observers in Canada and the United States are watching closely to understand how the federation addresses coaching ethics, athlete development, and the dynamics of junior competition in Russia, particularly in a climate where national pride and sporting careers often intersect with public discourse. The forthcoming ethics deliberations are likely to shape perceptions about accountability, the role of outspoken coaching figures, and the procedures governing statements made by prominent figures in figure skating. The outcome may influence how teams across North America interpret and engage with international coaching networks and the broader ecosystem of junior athletic development (Source: DEA News).