“The Russians could jump quads three times and lie on their butts and still be 50 points ahead. This time the level is no longer so extremely far apart.” German figure skaters about upcoming European Championships
German figure skaters about the absence of Russian skaters at the European Championships 2023.
source: schwetzinger-zeitung.de
The absence of Russian skaters at the European Championships offers a great opportunity for German skaters to get back into the limelight and even to win medals after years of crisis.
“The field in the top positions is completely open,” said Claudia Pfeifer, sports director of the German Skating Union.
The association has high hopes for one or even two medals in pair skating. “A medal is definitely a goal. We know that it’s quite possible,” said Annika Hocke, who was seventh at the European Championships in 2020 with her partner Robert Kunkel.
The seven-time German national champion Nicole Schott is also speculating that she could win a medal.
“Since the three Russian girls are not at the European Championships, three places have become vacant. I think anything can happen,” said the 26-year-old Nicole. This time the level is no longer so extremely far apart: “The Russians could jump quads three times and lie on their butts and still be 50 points ahead.”
Related topics: European Championships, Nicole Schott
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