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The International Skating Union (ISU) does not plan to allow Russia and Belarus to international competitions in the upcoming season . About what this means for us from the point of view of Olympic prospects is in the material Sport.
“Soldiers of failure” without commercial success
It would seem that this has never happened, and here again – the ISU does not want to return Russian and Belarusian figure skaters to international competitions. The reason is still the same – the conflict in Ukraine, wrapped in florid formulations about “organizational security” (meaning the ISU itself) and protecting the interests of all that is good in the face of all that is bad.
We already saw this film in 2022, then rewatched it in 2023 – and now, a new part of the boring franchise is coming out. Just like in the once sensational satirical comedy by Ben Stiller “Soldiers of Trouble.” Only there, every episode of “Frying” brought commercial success to the main character, while the sitcom ISU is hardly profitable for anyone in the world.
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According to information, at the last meetings of the organization’s council (and only he, let us remind you, can unban us – as well as ban us), the “Russian issue” was discussed in passing and without any specifics. This is indirectly confirmed by the words of the acting president of the FFKKR Anton Sikharulidze: “We don’t discuss much with the ISU the possibility of Russian figure skaters performing, because today this topic is very difficult for them.”
The problem is that without discussions and, perhaps, even pressure, the ISU, in principle, does not really think about the fact that the Russians actually also want to go to the World and European Championships. We are happy to share with them our developments in the field of new tournaments (and there is a feeling that sooner or later they will take advantage of this), and they with us… But they do not share anything with us. There are quotas for the junior stages of the Grand Prix, perhaps, but they are of no use…
What is left for us?
The topic, as Anton Tarielevich said, is difficult, this is an indisputable fact. And the solution to it is extremely simple – pretend that nothing exists. That Russian figure skaters seem to be somewhere outside of this whole prosperous world party, and everyone feels equally good about it. And what is most interesting is that it is quite possible that they are right.
In words, everything is really very good. Russia is holding a bunch of new tournaments, officials and leading speakers are talking about the level of the national team striving for space and, of course, how much they envy us “over there.” At the same time, our federation is not taking practical steps to separate from the ISU – which, on the one hand, is logical (the sanctions for this will be significant), but on the other hand, is not very consistent.
ISU doesn’t seem to be in trouble either. Literally – the organization’s reports speak of financial stability, and even the absence of our athletes, if it hits them, is not very strong. They, perhaps, would like the Russians to return, but, apparently, not so much as to quarrel with the main sponsors.
As a result, the only victims in this whole story are the athletes. Because if there are no positive changes in geopolitical terms, Russia's admission in the upcoming season is unlikely to happen. This in turn means that we will miss the pre-Olympic World Championships, where quotas for the Games will be awarded. Thus, we will lose the opportunity to go to the 2026 Olympics in Milan in full force (three participants in each event). Moreover, with a high probability, two quotas will be covered with a copper basin.
What is left for us? Not much to say. The last chance to get at least some tickets will only be the traditional tournament in Oberstdorf, Germany – the Nebelhorn Trophy. For several Olympic cycles, it serves as the final qualifying stage for the Olympics. In addition, quotas are “confirmed” on it after promotion in class at the World Championships.
If by that time (fall 2025) we are already admitted to the internationals, we will almost certainly have quotas. Most often, the second and third numbers of the national teams come to the Nebelhorn, which is due to the rules of the Olympic qualification. Thus, there is a possibility that our skaters will take first place in each event, but there is a nuance – even in this case, there will be only one quota for the Olympics.
Perhaps we will get one or two more in some disciplines during the redistribution. For example, at the 2025 World Championships, for example, thanks to the efforts of Sofia Samodelkina, Kazakhstan can theoretically earn three quotas in women's single skating, but it is unlikely that they will be able to confirm them at the Nebelhorn (other skaters of the national team should confirm the quotas – not those who won them at the World Championships). And Kazakhstan is unlikely to be able to fill them.
In this simple way, we can reach 1-2 quotas in each of the four disciplines. Which, of course, is better than nothing. But don't our figure skaters deserve more?
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