Nikolaj Memola: “If someone wants the suspension of Russia to continue, that person is just envious. I don’t know a single skater who doesn’t want to see Russians at every possible competition again.”
Italian figure skater Nikolaj Memola supports the return of Russian athletes to international competitions and emphasizes his pride in his Russian heritage.
original source: Sport24 dd 16th March 2026 by Petr Shatrov
Italian figure skater Nikolaj Memola spoke in favor of allowing Russian athletes to return to competitions. Here’s a translation of his comments from the interview with Russian media Sport24.
“Q: You’ve never said you might represent Russia. Have you received such offers?
Nikolaj Memola: No, I haven’t, and I probably wouldn’t agree to it. Of course, it’s nice to know that such a great country in figure skating wants to see you, but everything is great for me in Italy. I will never renounce my Russian roots, but when it comes to figure skating, I feel more comfortable this way.
Q: During the suspension of Russian skaters, were you invited to perform in Russia?
Nikolaj Memola: Yes, I received one offer. Alexei Nikolaevich invited me to do exhibition performances with his skaters right after the Beijing Olympics. I planned to come, but soon after, Russia was suspended from international competitions, so we decided to drop the idea.
Q: Do you promise to come to our country for the next international competition?
Nikolaj Memola: Of course. It would be an honor for me to perform in my mother’s homeland. I hope it happens as soon as possible.
Q: You said you haven’t been to Russia in three years. Do you still consider yourself Russian?
Nikolaj Memola: Yes, I remain Russian and am proud of it. It would be foolish to deny my roots and ancestors. As I get older, I’m even more interested in learning about Russia, so I still consider myself Russian.
Q: One of your programs this season is set to music by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Did you insist on using a Russian composition? Do you also follow contemporary Russian musicians?
Nikolaj Memola: Pop music isn’t really my thing, but I like classical works. There’s a composer in Russia, Kirill Richter, whose music Kamila Valieva has skated to. I really like his pieces. I’d be happy to perform to one of them.
Q: How would you assess Russian figure skating overall after four years of suspension? Have we become weaker?
Nikolaj Memola: If I were a Russian fan, I wouldn’t worry. Russia still has very strong athletes who remain among the best in the world. There’s no need to look at Americans or Japanese and feel envious. Russian figure skating is doing well.
Q: In Russia, everyone is waiting for our skaters to return next season. Do you believe it will happen?
Nikolaj Memola: I am absolutely convinced of it. To be honest, in the current global situation, there’s no reason to keep Russians suspended. If there are rules and restrictions, they should apply to everyone equally, not selectively.
It’s also important to say that I want to see Russians back on the international stage because they are very strong. Everyone saw Petya and Adelia at the Olympics. They are great athletes who can achieve results.
Q: Are you sure most people share your view?
Nikolaj Memola: Absolutely. I’m convinced that all other athletes want the same as I do. If someone wants the suspension of Russia to continue, that person is just envious, and I don’t understand them. I don’t know a single skater who doesn’t want to see Russians at every possible competition again.”
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