Daniil Gleikhengauz: “I can’t understand why juniors aren’t allowed to compete internationally. These are children who don’t deserve to be excluded.”
Daniil Gleikhengauz criticizes the bann of Russian juniors from international competitions.
original source: MatchTV
Choreographer and coach Daniil Gleikhengauz expresses concern about the restriction of Russian figure skaters from international events and advocates for the return of young athletes to the international stage. Here’s a translation of his comments.
Since March 2022, the International Skating Union (ISU) has barred Russian figure skaters from competing in events under its jurisdiction. Addressing the issue, Gleikhengauz spoke about the impact this exclusion has had and the challenges of maintaining high standards in the absence of global competition:
“Q: Dmitry Guberniev (TV commentator – ed.) said that the absence of international competitions affects the level of athletes and that nothing can replace the Olympic Games. What alternative could be created?
Daniil Gleikhengau: We’ve been excluded from international competitions for a long time. Initially, it seemed like we wouldn’t be able to sustain a high level for an extended period. However, two seasons have passed, and we’ve managed to maintain our focus and deliver the same level of performance at competitions. In fact, the level hasn’t dropped; in men’s singles skating, it has even improved.
We’ve navigated this four-year cycle with dignity. But I’d rather not think about having to go through another four years like this. I want to see our return to the international stage and showcase the results we were achieving before.
It will be very difficult. Our sport is highly subjective – judging, warm-ups, and starting order play a significant role. Despite everything, we need to reclaim the positions we held when we had three athletes in every discipline. I hope there will be movement in this direction next season.”
Gleikhengauz focused specifically on junior athletes, expressing his frustration about their exclusion:
“I can’t understand why juniors aren’t allowed to compete internationally. These are children who don’t deserve to be excluded,” said Gleikhengauz.
Related topics: Daniil Gleichengauz
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