Athletistic/Figure skating. Ilya Averbukh, famous director of ice shows and coach of dancing couples, expressed his opinion that interest in figure skating was declining.

In a conversation with SE, he confirmed the general decline in interest, but noted successful moments, such as the sold-out shows during their performance of “Carmen” in Yekaterinburg. However, according to him, the constant rotation of skaters in the different shows makes the projects less exclusive.

Averbukh pointed to the lack of new names among European and world champions as another reason for the decline in interest. He also noted that although spectators support Russian athletes, there is a decrease in interest in the Grand Prix stages, which can be assessed by television broadcasts and attendance.

The Federation, according to Averbukh, provides good conditions for athletes and tournaments are organized at a high level. He also expressed his gratitude to Channel One for supporting the skaters and appealed to viewers to regain their interest in attending the competitions, given the affordable ticket prices.

  • Averbukh: “Protopopov and Belousova, even at 70, continued to perform at a fairly good level”


@sportru