Final Opportunity: Belarusian Figure Skaters Battle for Olympic Qualification
The International Skating Union (ISU) is committed to providing honest, inclusive, and universal opportunities for all athletes, as it hosts the Olympic qualifying tournament for figure skaters in Beijing from September 18 to 21, 2023.
Among the competitors is Victoria Safonova from Belarus, who finished in 13th place in the 2022 Winter Games. Safonova started her journey in the current tournament with a flawless short program, earning a score of 57.71, provisionally placing her in seventh position.
Leading the first day of competition is Russian Adelia Petroсяn with a score of 68.72. However, the tournament has been marred by the absence of Russian pairs, as the ISU did not allow them to participate.
The ISU's decision to allow Belarusian and Russian figure skaters to compete in the qualifying tournament followed an internal discussion. The tournament video in Beijing does not include Russian or Belarusian figure skaters, reflecting the ISU's stance.
The ISU president, Kim Jae-eul, emphasised the importance of the Olympics, stating that it is a dream for many athletes and might be their one and only chance. However, neutral athletes and support staff are not allowed to pass through the mixed zone, participate in press conferences, or give interviews during the qualifying tournament.
Cyprus representative Stefania Jakobides is currently in fifth place with a score of 59.37. Meanwhile, the strongest Belarusian athletes are participating, including Evgeniy Pusyanov, who will present his short program in men's singles on the night of September 20.
Only two international federations have followed the MOK's recommendations for the neutral participation of athletes from Russia and Belarus in qualifying tournaments. Notably, Adelina Sotnikova, the lone Russian figure skater at the upcoming international event, will have to compete without her coach.
Daniil Gleikhengauz, another Belarusian figure skater, did not pass the neutral status verification process. The Neutral Figure Skaters at the men's singles event in Beijing on September 20, 2023, include athletes competing without national affiliation, but specific names and team staff details are not publicly detailed.
The Olympic qualifying tournament serves as the last chance for Belarusian and Russian figure skaters to secure a quota for the 2026 Olympics. The competition is intense, with the top five in the free skate qualifying for the Olympics. The tournament in Beijing promises to be a crucial step for many figure skaters in their journey towards the 2026 Winter Games.
