Sikharulidze's Return to Figure Skating Leadership
In a recent interview, former figure skating champion Alexei Sikharulidze discussed his return to the sport as a leader after stepping away from it for several years. Sikharulidze, who once led the State Duma Committee on Physical Culture and Sports, expressed a renewed passion for figure skating, sparked by a desire to create a training school for renowned coach Tamara Moskvina. His collaboration with Gazprom facilitated the establishment of this school, which aims to support various types of figure skating, including singles and pair skating. Sikharulidze emphasized the importance of developing a structured and transparent federation in St. Petersburg, which he believes is crucial for the sport's growth.
Refereeing and Objectivity in Figure Skating
Sikharulidze also addressed the often-overlooked role of referees in figure skating, advocating for maximum objectivity in judging. He acknowledged the human element in refereeing, noting that biases and mistakes can occur. However, he stressed that judges must evaluate each athlete equally, regardless of their background or coaching affiliations. He pointed out recent successes of lesser-known athletes, highlighting the competitive nature of the current figure skating landscape, where young talents are challenging established stars.
Future of Russian Figure Skating
Looking ahead, Sikharulidze expressed optimism about the future of Russian figure skating on the international stage. He praised the leadership of ISU President Kim Jae-yol and noted that there are positive signs for the return of Russian athletes to international competitions. Sikharulidze believes that the dedication and love for the sport demonstrated by Russian figure skating will be recognized globally, potentially leading to the revival of international tournaments featuring Russian competitors.
