Alexei Mishin: “The strongest foreign figure skaters skate differently than the best Russian ones. You can’t say it’s better or worse – just different. In Russia, the focus is on the content of the programs.”

Alexei Mishin stated that Russian figure skaters performed with dignity at the 2026 Olympics.

original source: MatchTV / Sport24

Alexei Mishin praised the performances of Russian figure skaters at the 2026 Olympics and emphasized the importance of integrating Russian skating into the global community. Here’s a translation.

“Q: What is your opinion on the results of the skaters’ performances at the Olympics?

Alexei Mishin: I want to highlight two points. First, the athletes looked dignified. Second, I wouldn’t focus on whether they were treated unfairly or not. There’s a saying: “Water is carried by the offended.”

What we saw from Petya Gumennik and Adeliia Petrosian was a good level. We move forward and keep our heads up. Everything I saw was more joyful than sad. We should focus on the positive, not on the unpleasant moments that accompanied our athletes,” said Mishin.

Alexei Mishin also noted the different skating styles of the world’s top skaters compared to Russian athletes, emphasizing that neither is better or worse.

“The strongest foreign figure skaters skate differently than the best Russian ones. You can’t say it’s better or worse – just different. In Russia, the focus is on the content of the programs. From choreography to costumes, everything is aimed at audience perception. Our foreign competitors pay more attention to the relationship between the skate and the ice.

In recent years, Russia has come up with new and very interesting formats, but isolation never leads to good results. I believe Russian figure skating should be integrated into the global community,” Mishin told RIA Novosti.

Related topics: Alexei Mishin, Olympic Games