“I don’t do this for the chance to go to the Olympics. I do it because I genuinely enjoy working with him. Whether my name is recorded somewhere or not doesn’t matter. If he needs my advice, I’m ready to help at any time, day or night.” Rafael Arutyunyan on working with Ilia Malinin
Rafael Arutyunyan addresses rumors about being removed from Ilia Malinin’s coaching list.
original source: Sports dd. August 10th, 2025 by Maya Bagriantseva
In an interview with Sports correspondent Maya Bagriantseva, Rafael Arutyunyan clarifies the situation surrounding his name’s removal and subsequent return to Ilia Malinin’s coach profile, dismissing the rumors and emphasizing his close working relationship with Malinin’s family. Here’s a translation of his comments.
“Q: What’s the story behind your name disappearing from Ilia Malinin’s coaching list?
Rafael Arutyunyan: It’s nonsense, really. These rumors came out of nowhere. Many people simply don’t know how procedures work in the United States before an Olympic season. Officials from the USOPC (United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee) contact each member of the national team to ask which coaches should be listed for accreditation at the Games.
According to protocol, only up to two coaches can be named for the Olympics, whereas competitions like the World Championships allow for more names – sometimes even up to eight.
Ilia understandably named his direct coaches: Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov. Let’s be honest, it would be strange if he listed me instead of his mom and dad. In his profile, I’m already listed as third.
For the Olympics, I’m being accredited as the coach for Andrew Torgashev, since he’s part of the pool of candidates for the U.S. Olympic team. As for who travels where and with whom, all of that will be decided as the season progresses.
Q: But now your name has been added back to Malinin’s profile?
Rafael Arutyunyan: I didn’t follow this closely because I wasn’t involved in either the removal or the restoration of my name. Watching all of this unfold was a little amusing, to be honest. It was fascinating how much people cling to minor controversies.
I spoke with Ilia’s father just two days before all these rumors started. We were discussing Ilia’s training and certain aspects of his preparation. A couple of days ago, I had another conversation with Roman – we’re constantly in touch, working in the same rhythm as before. Nothing has changed.
Q: Did you discuss this odd situation during your calls?
Rafael Arutyunyan: Yes, we laughed about it, but most of our conversation focused on adjusting our shared plans.
Our relationship is built on trust, and I’m saying this sincerely. Ilia’s parents are wonderful people. We share a united approach to life and sport – we equally dislike drama and publicity. I was raised with different values. I didn’t have influential backers; I simply know my job, and people come to me to learn because of that. I earn my living honestly.
Another point worth noting is that the fact that Ilia’s team included me in the list at all is already a bonus. I work with many athletes, and not all of them formally recognize me in this way.”
Arutyunyan also emphasized his deep respect for Malinin’s direct coaches and his own philosophy of working behind the scenes:
“I have no doubt about the integrity of his coaches. I deeply respect them, which is why I work with them.
I’ve never been one for the kiss-and-cry area, and I still don’t enjoy it. I only go there when skaters specifically ask me to – and even then, not always. Ilia has asked me multiple times to be there, and that’s something I greatly appreciate.
By the way, if for some reason I really were removed from the official coaching lists but Ilia asked me for help, I wouldn’t say no.
I don’t do this for the chance to go to the Olympics. I do it because I genuinely enjoy working with him. I simply love him – as both a person and an athlete. And he’s given me every reason to feel that way. He’s proven multiple times that he’s an excellent figure skater and a dignified human being.
Whether my name is recorded somewhere or not doesn’t matter. If he needs my advice, I’m ready to help at any time, day or night.”
Recent Updates on Their Work Together
“Q: Has Ilia visited California this summer?
Rafael Arutyunyan: He did, but unfortunately, I had to leave for a work trip at the time. But honestly, right now, he doesn’t need me as much. He’s busy preparing for the season, adjusting to his new skates, and getting used to his new boots.
Once the programs are sharpened and the season unfolds, if something isn’t clicking in his new routines, I’ll definitely hear about it.”
Related topics: Ilia Malinin, Rafael Arutyunyan
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