Alina Gorbacheva is considered the main candite to be named as a substitute for Olympic qualifier competitions
Alina Gorbacheva is considered the main substitute for selection to the 2026 Olympics.
original source: RSport
Alina Gorbacheva is considered the main candidate to be named as a substitute for qualifier competitions to the 2026 Olympics. This was reported by “R-Sport,” citing a source familiar with the situation.
The International Skating Union (ISU) has allowed Russian figure skaters to qualify for the 2026 Olympics under a neutral status. Only one athlete or pair will be able to compete in each discipline.
The Russian Figure Skating Federation must submit the lists for participation in the qualifying competitions in Beijing by February 28, 2025. The application will include one primary athlete or pair and one substitute.
The final decision will be made by the leadership of the Russian Figure Skating Federation based on the results of the Russian Grand Prix Final, which will take place from February 14-16.
Gorbacheva is 17 years old and is the bronze medalist of the 2025 Russian Nationals.
It is noted that the absolute favorite for the spot in the main team is Adelia Petrosyan, a two-time Russian champion.
Related topics: Alina Gorbacheva, Olympic Games
I disagree with the way they are picking the Russian athletes for the Olympics. Knowing that Russian coaches can be toxic and abusive, now one athlete will have extreme pressure to win gold for Russia and God knows what the athlete will go through. Gorbacheva went missing before because of issues with her coach, I only hope that if she goes to the Olympics she will get the support she needs.