Russian Olympics champion arrogantly claims that without Russia, "everything is slipping in all directions"

Three-time Olympic champion Irina Rodnina has described the current situation in world figure skating as catastrophic due to the suspension of Russian athletes. The former State Duma deputy added that the International Skating Union (ISU) will not go away and will return Russian athletes to the 2026 Olympics.

Rodnina said this in a comment to Sport24. The former figure skater reacted in this way to the ISU's decision to extend the Russians' suspension from the competition. She noted that Russia brings "so much attention and money" to this winter sport.

"I think our skaters will compete in all international competitions before the Olympics. The ISU couldn't lift the restrictions now, but by the Olympics they will definitely be able to let Russians enter tournaments. Without us, figure skating is slipping in all directions. The ISU has failed financially without our guys. Who else will bring them so much attention and money, except for our skaters? We will definitely compete in international competitions a year and a half before the Olympic Games," Rodnina said.

The ISU's decision to refuse to allow the Russians to return to their tournaments caused a real hysteria. Famous coach Tatyana Tarasova accused the union of "taking away hope" from the Russian representatives.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, 2002 Olympic vice-champion Ilya Averbukh complained that the ISU was not upset that Russian athletes did not participate in its competitions.

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