“They need to understand: there will be those who try to undermine them, to set them up in any way. No one will treat us as friends. It’s a snake pit.” Slutskaya on Petrosian and Gumennik at the Olympics

Slutskaya on Petrosian and Gumennik at the Olympics: There will be those who try to set them up.

original source: OKR

Irina Slutskaya advises Adelia Petrosian and Petr Gumennik to be mentally prepared for challenges and possible unfair tactics at the 2026 Milan Olympics, emphasizing the importance of resilience and individuality. Here’s a translation.

“Q: At the upcoming Olympics in Italy, we have only two athletes: Adeliia Petrosian and Petr Gumennik. And there’s no right to substitute. Having gone through all these trials and challenges, what would you say to these guys?

Irina Slutskaya: Truly, it’s a trial by fire. The first thing I wish for them is that they try to disconnect and be ready inside for anything to happen. No situation should throw them off balance. They need to understand: there will be those who try to undermine them, to set them up in any way. For example, a coach might not be allowed at the start, they might be constantly checked for doping, disrupting their routine and preparation schedule. They might even not play the music somewhere.

Q: That happened to you, didn’t it?

Irina Slutskaya: It’s true: at the World Championships, my music was stopped twice at the beginning. But I still skated.

And they must be prepared, above all psychologically, for someone to shout something at them from behind, for journalists to ask and say things. No one will treat us as friends. It’s a snake pit. But I sincerely hope none of this happens.

On the ice, they just need to close their eyes, focus, and then, with a cool head, do what they know how to do. I truly believe in them. I really like our modern figure skating – our pairs, our singles, our dancers. They haven’t yet been hardened by the habit of fierce competition. They are alive and genuine. They are still outside the system that often forces you to adapt.

Precisely because we are not competing internationally now, and no one is forcing anyone into these standards, they allow themselves a bit more, revealing their individuality. They feel the freedom and joy of the ice.”

Related topics: Adeliia Petrosian, Irina Slutskaya, Olympic Games, Petr Gumennik